stroke of genius

Sophisticated new spin on mini-golf rolls into downtown with cool tech and adult fun

A sophisticated spin on miniature golf will open in downtown next year. Puttshack is coming to the Shops at Houston Center.

Unlike standard miniature golf courses, Puttshack adds both technology and a high energy, nightclub-style atmosphere to the experience. The venue's "Trackball" records each person's score, eliminating the need for pencil and paper — and making it harder to cheat.

In addition to balls that keep score, Puttshack will offer four, nine-hole courses with over the top designs that add interactive elements beyond the typical windmills or water hazards. Design elements like the "Supertube" make it easier to score a hole-in-one.

“Houston is a booming, top priority market for us, and we are very excited to be an anchor tenant in the Shops at Houston Center,” Puttshack CEO Joe Vrankin said in a statement. “We can’t wait to bring the Puttshack experience to Texas and continue to expand our presence in dynamic, energetic communities across the entire U.S.”

In addition to miniature golf, Puttshack offers a full range of food and drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine. Food options include lots of shareable plates, salads, burgers, and more.

Choosing the Shops at Houston Center puts Puttshack in a prime location near other downtown attractions such as Discovery Green, the Toyota Center, and the House of Blues. The 26,000-square-foot venue is expected to open in late 2022.

First opened in London, Puttshack made its U.S. debut earlier this year in Atlanta. In addition to Houston, the company has announced plans to open in Nashville, Tennessee; Miami; Boston; and a suburb of Chicago.

Puttshack puts a new spin on mini golf.

Courtesy of Puttshack

Puttshack puts a new spin on mini golf.

downtown openings

welcome back, frank!

Broadcaster Frank Billingsley finds second act at Houston radio station

Al Torres Photography

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When he announced his retirement from KPRC, Frank Billingsley told the late Ken Hoffman that he probably wasn’t done with media.

“I love all forms of communication so I'm sure I'll gravitate toward that either as a hobby or a second act. I'll weigh options and go from there,” he said in May.

Turn out that second act will be at one of Houston’s most prestigious radio stations. Billingsley has joined Houston Public Media as an executive producer and meteorologist.

"Frank Billingsley’s reputation as a Houston legend precedes him,” station manager Josh Adams said in a statement. “His experience and connection to our community align perfectly with Houston Public Media’s mission to inform and inspire. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team and look forward to the impact his presence will have."

Beginning in early 2025, Billingsley will serve as one of the hosts for a new talk show called Hello, Houston!. Led by Billingsley, veteran HPM host Ernie Manouse, and producer Celeste Schurman. Hello, Houston! will tell stories about a wide range of Houston happenings.

“Of course, I'll still get to talk about the weather, but Celeste, Ernie, and I will have fun and fascinating discussions about politics, arts, concerts, restaurants, clubs, people: everything that makes this city so great,” Billingsley said. “We have a great team behind us and I'm really looking forward to the challenge!”

Frank Billingsley worked at KPRC for 30 years. Prior to that, he worked at ABC13 for six years. He has earned multiple honors from the Associated Press, Houston Press Club, Houston Press Newspaper, and Dallas Press Club.

media celebrities frank billingsley