Downtown Houston will soon welcome a new venue that adds a little style to traditional mini golf. Puttshack opens April 26.
Located in the Highlight at Houston Center (formerly the Shops at Houston Center), Puttshack occupies 26,000-square-feet. That gives the venue room for four, 9-hole mini golf courses, two bars, and a private event space capable of hosting up to 100 people.
Unlike standard miniature golf courses, Puttshack adds both technology and a high energy, nightclub-style atmosphere to the experience. Founded by the creators of TopGolf, Flight Club, and AceBounce, Puttshack’s "Trackball" records each person's score, eliminating the need for pencil and paper. In addition, design elements like the “Supertube” make it easier for people to score a hole-in-one.
While players line up their shots, local DJs spin tunes to create a high energy atmosphere.
In between rounds, customers will find a full menu of food and drinks. Some offerings have been designed to appeal to local tastes, such as a chicken and waffle flatbread, a frozen mango-tamarind margarita, and local beers from Saint Arnold, 11 Below, No Label, and more. Other menu items include a hot chicken sandwich, burgers, salads, and shareable plates such as meatballs, falafel cakes, lamb skewers, and Buffalo chicken dip.
Puttshack is also charitably minded. The business will donate $1 to the Houston Food Bank for every "Texas Tailpipe” sold. It’s a spring roll made with green-chile pork, bacon fat tamale, fresco chile, and Chihuahua cheese that’s served with avocado salsa and poblano cheese dipping sauce.
“Puttshack delivers world class entertainment. The dynamic environment and globally inspired food and beverage offerings are a perfect match for Houston's demographic," Puttshack COO Chris Rockwood said in a statement. "As the premier entertainment destination in the area, the newly reimagined Highlight at Houston Center is the perfect fit for Puttshack to be an anchor tenant and an interactive space for outings with family and friends, company gatherings, and experiential date nights for residents and visitors alike."
Houston is home to a few of these adult-oriented mini golf courses. Puttery, a venue that features courses designed by golfer Rory McIlroy, opened in Sawyer Yards last fall. PopStroke, which is affiliated with golf legend Tiger Woods, opened in Katy in December.
First opened in London, Puttshack arrived in the U.S. in 2021 with a location in Atlanta. Funding rounds of $60 million in 2021 and $150 million last year have it poised to grow nationwide, with Dallas, Nashville, Philadelphia, and other cities all planned to debut later this year.
Courtesy of Puttshack
Puttshack's obstacles go beyond regular windmills.
