Topgolf development plans halted following indifferent performance of first Australian venue

Latest News

Topgolf development plans halted following indifferent performance of first Australian venue

January 18, 2019

The Village Roadshow board has reportedly halted plans to develop up to eight Topgolf venues in Australia and the Asia Pacific as a result of uncertainty over the financial performance of the first Gold Coast location.

In 2016, Village Roadshow signed an agreement with US-based Topgolf to bring the concept to Australia. Village took a 67% equity stake and provided 100% of the $35 million capital.

The company had big ambitions for the brand – and in March 2018 called on landowners to support locations for new venues. At the time, Village Entertainment Chief Executive Kirk Edwards stated "we plan to open eight venues across Australia and key APAC territories, and have been delighted to hear from multiple operators of both new and existing developments across Australia.”

The company spent $35 million on its first Topgolf venue which opened in June 2018, next to its Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast and Warner Bros. Movie World attractions.

However, the Australian Financial Review has reported that Topgolf Australia has opted to reduce its stake in the partnership from 33.3% down to 3.7% - taking Village’s exposure to 96.3%.

The AFR reports that plans to build eight Topgolf centres have now been put on hold. The news coincides with reports of disagreements between Village Roadshow Deputy Chairman, John Kirby; Executive Chairman, Robert Kirby and Chief Executive, Graham Burke.

Image: Topgolf on the Gold Coast.

14th November 2018 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks set to launch its biggest Summer Ever

23rd August 2018 - Village Roadshow blames Commonwealth Games and Dreamworld deaths for disappointing results

30th July 2018 - Clark Kirby outlines vision for Topgolf’s Australian expansion

15th June 2018 - Australia’s first Topgolf Venue opens on the Gold Coast

20th December 2017 - Topgolf’s Zach Shor to address 2018 Golf Business Forum

18th December 2017 - Topgolf global expansion to continue with new Dubai venue

3rd July 2016 - Village Roadshow to introduce Topgolf concept as part of revitalisation of attractions

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.