I’ll be honest with you.
The first time I walked into Topgolf, I wondered how many golf balls does Topgolf have per location to keep everyone hitting non-stop.
You know that feeling when you’re at the driving range and run out of balls halfway through your session?
That never happens at Topgolf.
And there’s a fascinating reason why.
Topgolf’s Unlimited Golf Ball System: How It Works
Here’s what blew my mind about Topgolf’s ball supply system.
They don’t just have thousands of balls sitting in storage.
They’ve created an automated ecosystem that makes ball shortage virtually impossible.
Automated Ball Dispensing Technology
Every hitting bay at Topgolf uses sensor technology that knows exactly when you need another ball.
Wave your club over the sensor.
A ball gets dispensed immediately.
No waiting. No counting. No limitations during your session.
The ball distribution system works across all 34 bays per location with mechanical precision.
I’ve watched this system work during peak hours, and it never misses a beat.
Sensor-Based Club Detection System
The sensor detects your club movement and triggers the automated system instantly.
This isn’t some basic motion detector either.
It’s calibrated specifically for golf club dimensions and movement patterns.
The average air time between club wave and ball dispensing?
Three seconds maximum.
That’s faster than most people can position themselves for the next shot.
RFID Chip Technology in Every Ball
Every single Topgolf ball contains an embedded microchip.
Not just for tracking where it lands.
For complete ball lifecycle management.
The RFID chips communicate with sensors throughout the entire facility, creating a digital map of every ball’s location at all times.
This technology prevents ball loss and enables the unlimited supply system to work flawlessly.
Does Topgolf Use Limited Flight Golf Balls?
Yes, they do.
And here’s why that actually makes the experience better.
What Are Limited Flight Golf Balls
Limited flight golf balls are specifically designed to travel 75-90% of the distance of regular golf balls.
These aren’t cheap knockoffs.
They’re engineered with:
- Thicker covers for durability
- Modified core materials that affect spin rates
- Embedded RFID chips that add slight weight
- Specialised compression ratios for consistent performance
Why Topgolf Uses Short-Flight Golf Balls
Topgolf venues operate on a fraction of regular golf course land area.
A standard golf course needs 7,000 yards of space.
Topgolf’s maximum range? 215 yards.
Without limited flight technology, balls would fly over the netting and into car parks, roads, and neighbouring properties.
The short-flight design keeps everything contained within the facility boundaries.
Performance Difference: 10% Less Distance Explained
Most golfers notice about 10% less distance with Topgolf balls compared to their usual equipment.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Average golfer loses 5-10 mph in ball speed
- High-speed strikers see more noticeable differences
- Iron shots feel most similar to regular balls
- Driver shots show the biggest distance reduction
But here’s what I’ve learned after dozens of Topgolf sessions.
The 10% difference becomes irrelevant once you’re focused on hitting targets and competing with friends.
Golf Ball Tracking and Management at Topgolf
The ball tracking system is where Topgolf really shows off its technology.
RFID Ball Tracking System Technology
Every ball contains RAIN RFID technology that communicates wirelessly with the facility’s sensor network.
When you hit a ball, the embedded microchip emits a radio signal that gets captured by sensors placed throughout the driving range.
The data includes:
- Ball speed and trajectory
- Launch angle and spin rate
- Landing location with pinpoint accuracy
- Flight time and distance travelled
Radio Frequency Identification for Ball Monitoring
The Radio Frequency Identification system uses electromagnetic coupling to identify every ball’s position continuously.
This isn’t just during flight.
The system tracks balls on the ground, in collection areas, and even when they’re being transported back to dispensing stations.
Impinj Technology and Real-Time Ball Location
Topgolf uses Impinj Technology as the backbone of their tracking system.
This creates a real-time database showing the exact location of every ball in the facility.
Lost balls become virtually impossible because the system always knows where every ball is located.
Topgolf Ball Supply Per Bay and Location
The numbers behind Topgolf’s ball supply are impressive.
34 Bays Per Location Standard Setup
Most Topgolf locations feature 34 bays across three floors.
Each bay can accommodate up to 6 players simultaneously.
That’s potentially 204 people hitting balls at the same time during peak hours.
Ball Distribution System Across Three Floors
The ball circulation system works like a vertical conveyor belt.
Balls get collected from the range, transported through pneumatic tubes, cleaned, and redistributed to dispensers on all three floors.
The automated system ensures every floor maintains consistent ball availability.
Average Ball Usage and Circulation Patterns
During peak weekend hours, a busy Topgolf location can see 15-20 balls in the air simultaneously.
With each ball having an average air time of three seconds, that’s roughly 300-400 ball hits per minute across all bays.
The circulation system handles this volume without breaking stride.
Ball Durability and Replacement at Topgolf Facilities
Topgolf balls are built to last longer than regular driving range balls.
How Long Topgolf Balls Last in Circulation
A typical Topgolf ball stays in circulation for several months to years.
Compare that to regular driving range balls that might last seven rounds before showing significant wear.
The thick cover design and high-quality materials make them surprisingly durable under repeated abuse.
Callaway-Made Golf Ball Quality and Durability
Since Topgolf became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Callaway Golf in 2020, all balls are manufactured using Callaway’s quality standards.
This means:
- Professional-grade materials in every ball
- Consistent manufacturing processes across all locations
- Quality control measures that exceed typical range ball standards
Ball Wear Detection and Replacement Process
Topgolf staff monitor ball condition continuously.
When balls show nicks, degradation, or performance issues, they’re automatically removed from circulation.
The RFID system helps identify balls that have been hit an excessive number of times or show irregular flight patterns.
Staff replace damaged balls before customers notice any performance decline.
Topgolf Ball Specifications and Features
These aren’t your typical driving range balls.
Thick Cover Design for Repeated Use
Topgolf balls feature significantly thicker covers than standard golf balls.
This design prevents easy deformation and maintains accuracy even after thousands of hits.
The thick cover also helps the balls withstand the automated collection and cleaning processes without damage.
RAIN RFID Embedded Microchips
The RAIN RFID chips are embedded directly into the ball cores during manufacturing.
This isn’t a surface attachment that can fall off.
The chip becomes part of the ball’s structure, ensuring tracking capability throughout the ball’s entire lifespan.
Ball Speed and Launch Angle Tracking Capabilities
Every hit generates detailed performance data:
| Metric | Measurement Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Speed | 0-200 mph | ±1 mph |
| Launch Angle | -10° to +60° | ±0.5° |
| Spin Rate | 0-10,000 rpm | ±50 rpm |
| Distance | 0-215 yards | ±1 yard |
This data feeds directly into the scoring system and your personal performance analytics.
Can You Bring Your Own Golf Balls to Topgolf?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Here’s why that policy makes perfect sense.
Why Personal Golf Balls Aren’t Allowed
Bringing your own balls would break the entire system.
The RFID tracking technology only works with Topgolf’s specially designed balls.
Regular golf balls would:
- Not register hits or score points
- Fly beyond facility boundaries and create safety hazards
- Disappear into the ball collection system without tracking
- Interfere with the automated retrieval process
Ball Retrieval and Database Tracking Requirements
Every ball that gets hit needs to be accounted for in Topgolf’s database.
The retrieval system uses the RFID signals to locate and collect balls efficiently.
Personal balls would become lost property that staff couldn’t track or retrieve systematically.
Topgolf Ball Costs and Operational Considerations
Running an unlimited ball system isn’t cheap.
Expensive RFID System Maintenance
The RFID tracking infrastructure requires constant maintenance and calibration.
Each location needs:
- Hundreds of sensors positioned throughout the range
- Computer systems to process thousands of data points per minute
- Regular calibration to maintain accuracy
- Weather-resistant technology that works in all conditions
This technology investment is significantly higher than traditional driving ranges.
Ball Inventory Management Across 70+ Venues
With over 70 Topgolf venues worldwide, ball inventory management becomes a massive logistical operation.
Each location needs:
- Minimum inventory levels to prevent shortages
- Regular quality assessments and ball replacement
- Seasonal adjustments for varying customer volumes
- Emergency stock for equipment failures or high-demand periods
Unlimited Play Options and Pricing Structure
Topgolf’s unlimited ball system supports their Unlimited Play pricing model.
During off-peak hours (typically weekday mornings), you can hit unlimited balls for around £15 per player.
This pricing works because:
- Most players don’t actually hit enough balls to exceed traditional driving range costs
- The experience value justifies premium pricing during peak hours
- Group bookings and food/beverage sales supplement the ball-related costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many golf balls does Topgolf have in total per location?
A: While Topgolf doesn’t publish exact inventory numbers, each location maintains thousands of balls in active circulation. The automated system ensures supply meets demand regardless of how busy the facility gets.
Q: Do Topgolf balls work on regular golf courses?
A: Topgolf balls are designed specifically for limited-flight applications. Using them on regular courses would result in significantly shorter distances (about 25% less than standard balls) and different performance characteristics.
Q: Can the RFID chips in Topgolf balls be removed?
A: The RFID chips are permanently embedded in the ball cores during manufacturing. Attempting to remove them would destroy the ball’s structural integrity.
Q: How often does Topgolf replace their balls?
A: Ball replacement happens continuously based on performance monitoring rather than fixed schedules. Balls showing wear, damage, or tracking issues get replaced immediately.
Q: What happens if Topgolf runs out of balls during busy periods?
A: The automated inventory management system prevents shortages by monitoring usage patterns and maintaining buffer stock. During peak times, the circulation system accelerates to meet increased demand.
Q: Are Topgolf balls environmentally friendly?
A: Topgolf has implemented sustainable ball practices including recycling programs for worn-out balls and using environmentally conscious manufacturing processes through their Callaway partnership.
The bottom line about how many golf balls does Topgolf have per location is simple.
They’ve engineered a system where the exact number doesn’t matter because the supply never runs out.
That’s the real genius behind their unlimited ball concept – not just having thousands of balls, but creating technology that makes those balls work smarter, last longer, and provide a better experience than any traditional driving range.
And honestly, once you’ve experienced hitting balls without worrying about running out, it’s hard to go back to counting tokens at regular driving ranges.
