PopStroke opens second Central Florida location in Hamlin for high-tech mini golf

[Disney4me]

A new Orlando attraction aims to gather families hoping to get the maximum enjoyment out of their mini golf outings.

PopStroke, the Tiger Woods-backed golf concept that also includes ice cream, bar bites, drinks and a playground, opened its second Central Florida location and its ninth in Florida this week. The new facility adds to a growing roster of dining, shopping and entertainment venues popping up in Horizon West’s Hamlin town center.

PopStroke CEO Greg Bartoli — who partnered with Woods and his company, TGR Design, in 2019 — said the modern concept has a multi-generational appeal.

Greg Bartoli, CEO of PopStroke, visits the company’s newest location at PopStroke in Horizon West’s Hamlin town center. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

“Putting is a great introduction to the game of golf. It’s not intimidating. It’s something 5-year-olds can do and 85-year-olds can do, and everyone in between,” he said. “We have a playground for kids, 24 flavors of premium ice cream, corn hole, foosball, ping pong, three bars and mobile app delivery. Golf is what may bring people in, but once they get here, they’re coming back for the overall experience.”

Although the concept is aimed at parents, grandparents, kids and young couples alike, being at least somewhat tech-savvy is a requirement for visiting. Everything about the PopStroke experience runs through the company’s proprietary app — from scoring to mobile drink ordering while out on the course.

Future upgrades are in the works, including chips in the golf balls that will keep track of score (similar to TopGolf) and cameras on each hole to capture hole-in-one celebrations.

Two 18-hole mini golf courses, bar bites, drinks and outdoor games await visitors at PopStroke in Horizon West’s Hamlin town center. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

With two 18-hole turf courses designed by professionals and a partnership with TaylorMade, golf is a focal point of the PopStroke experience, but far from the only draw. The company started five years ago in Jupiter and has since grown drastically, adding upgrades along the way, including a made-from-scratch food menu.

“We spent a lot of time on the culinary experience. We didn’t want to have that overshadowed by the golf experience, so we created the Bar Tenders brand,” Bartoli said. “Our chicken tenders are fresher and much more higher quality than Chick-fil-A or Raising Cane’s.”

After a career working on Wall Street, Bartoli turned his attention to miniature golf when he opened Jupiter’s Lighthouse Cove in 2013.

Two 18-hole mini golf courses, bar bites, drinks and outdoor games await visitors at PopStroke in Horizon West's Hamlin town center. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

“It was all about the idea where you could connect with family and friends across generations,” he said. “The kids can enjoy the playground, while mom and dad can enjoy cocktails and drinks.”

The newest PopStroke location comes in addition to Orlando’s first location in Waterford Lakes, with another one planned for International Drive next year. Nationwide, the company continues to expand with 18 locations in seven states.

Sliders, chicken tenders, flatbread and wings are menu staples at PopStroke in Horizon West’s Hamlin town center. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

“The goal was to modernize the experience of putting and miniature golf,” Bartoli said. “We’ve leaned in heavily with our Florida locations and we’ve continued to evolve with Arizona, Las Vegas, Texas and Tennessee.”

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

If you go

PopStroke is now open from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday at 5487 Hamlin Groves Trail in Winter Garden. An adult day pass typically costs $25 Monday-Thursday and $30 Friday-Sunday. Passes for kids, seniors and military members cost less. More information: 407-614-6605 or popstroke.com

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