Bradley Hofmeister
Staff Writer
After four years on the drawing board, plans to build a high-tech Topgolf driving range at The Lakes at El Segundo are finally moving closer to reality.
On Tuesday, the City Council in El Segundo finally gave a thumbs-up to do a redesign of The Lakes at El Segundo. This redesign would include the expansion of the short game and putting green practice areas, reconfiguration of several holes, a new clubhouse, and a brand new complete Topgolf shop.
“For years now it has been obvious that the Lakes has been lacking a wow factor and is in need of renovation,” said senior Jack Raney. “Having Topgolf team up with this golf course we have come to know and love should be the solution to this problem.”
City Manager Greg Carpenter said work began this month on an environmental impact report, but that the overall $25 million project won’t go before the El Segundo City Council for final approval until fall or winter of 2017.
photos: the lakes at El Segundo redesign.
“I have been golfing my whole life and The Lakes at El Segundo is the place where I first tee’d off,” Said junior Connor Bergin. “I am very happy to see that this place is going to get a nice upgrade and become even better.”
This course has thrived in El Segundo for many years now and local residents have begun to fear that partnering with this major corporation could lead to a loss of its hometown feel, family-friendly welcomeness, and shift its focus from golf to entertainment.
Website: the Lakes at El Segundo website.
“I feel that with the partnership there will definitely be lots of changes to the course we have come to know and love,” Raney said. “However, I feel that it will continue to be a place for families and residents to relax and enjoy themselves.”
Topgolf separates itself from its competitors by taking golf to a whole new level. It is known for its bowling-like driving ranges, microchipped golf balls that are aimed at flashy targets, and sensors that tally points measured by accuracy in real-time. As well, every Topgolf comes complimentary full-service restaurants, bars, meeting areas and event spaces.
Website: the website for Topgolf.
“I have been a loyal member of the Lakes for most of my life as well as my whole golfing career,” Bergin said. “Although I do feel like Topgolf will introduce many great and exciting features to this golf course, it saddens me to see the end of this community and family friendly golf course.”
Along with the many new and exciting features that come with investing in a Top Golf, the financial side of things is where the city really benefits. After building and opening up the new Topgolf in El Segundo, the city is estimated to make nearly $210,000 in annual revenue, compared to the $5,600 in sales tax generated now by The Lakes.
“Topgolf will be a very wise and successful investment for the city of El Segundo,” Raney said. “It will create a fun and exciting place for golfers, as well it will tremendously boost the economy by creating jobs and increasing the flow of money throughout the city.”
Video: An areal video of the Lakes at El Segundo on a bright sunny day. The Lakes at El Segundo is a local golf course in El Segundo that has been open for many years.
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