JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Golfers in the area soon may be able to tee up at Top Golf, a high-tech, multi-story driving range looking to come to Jacksonville.
Topgolf could be a big boost to Jacksonville’s economy. Every time Top Golf opens a new location, they hire 300 to 400 employees.
The company is moving through the process of rezoning land east of the St. Johns Town Center next to Interstate 295.
Avid golfer Allen Brown isn’t so sure Top Golf can have lasting success here.
“Golf has been struggling here in North Florida," Brown said. "So something coming in that big, there'd probably be a huge blitz at the beginning and we'll see what really happens after the first year or two after that."
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Action News spoke with a Topgolf representative who said building on the land is far from a done deal, but he says they’re actively pursuing Jacksonville -- and most major cities in Florida.
These 15-plus acres are very close to UNF's Golfplex. Action News asked if it could hurt their business.
“We're hoping it brings new golfers to the industry so people who don't play golf will go there maybe have some fun and then they'll go to their local golf courses and facilities and maybe get golf lessons and try to become better at the sport," said UNF golf coach Scott Schroeder.
The ordinance to re-zone the land has been discussed already in two city council meetings. The public will have a chance to give input on June 23 and then the council will vote.
The St. Johns Town Center is an area with a lot of traffic and parking concerns. City officials say if Topgolf comes to the area, this will have to be addressed.
WJAX
