Another business plan joins Des Moines’ golf entertainment boom

West Des Moines, Iowa — In a bid to capture the untapped golf entertainment market in Des Moines, now another player has joined the sport. However, some golfers wonder if there will be enough demand to sustain all future “golf entertainment” destinations.

X-Golf, an indoor golf simulator, plans to open a location next year in an open-air shopping mall across from the Jordan River town center, Business Record reports. The X-Golf will likely complement the Des Moines Metro’s soon-to-be-crowded recreational driving range.

Topgolf, the largest chain of such businesses, plans to Open at the corner of Jordan Creek Parkway and Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Suite Shots has a Fargo, North Dakota location and is building a second facility on Interstate 35 and Grand Avenue in West Des Moines.The bomber is building its inauguration Driving range/hotel at I-80/35 and Merle Hay Road in Johnston.

Bombers hopes to open next year, while Topgolf and Suite Shots have yet to announce a future opening date.

Reid Sheldahl, a loyal golfer at Waveland Golf Course, believes Des Moines can support all four future golf experiences. He said that since 2020, the number of visitors to the holes at Waveland has grown exponentially.

“Having golfed throughout the pandemic, I’ve seen how urban courses get a lot of play,” Scherdal said. “It’s great, but sometimes it can be difficult to play 18 after get off work. I think any opportunity to hit the ball and get people interested in the game is great.”

Josh Jones, a recreational golfer whose son is on the high school golf team, disagrees.

“I think one is great, two might be fine, but three seems like overkill to me,” Jones said, referring to the practice range. “I would be surprised if all three were here in five years’ time.”

Both Jones and Sherdal share their love of golf and hope the new option will boost the Iowa game.

“I think it’s going to be a really good opportunity for people to try it out and see if they like it,” Scherdal said.

“I’m looking forward to trying it,” Jones said. “I just want to know that Des Moines is a big enough market to support all three, but I certainly hope they do.”