A Topgolf-style driving range is coming to Ben Hawes Golf Course, offering golfers the chance to track their swings and play virtual games in a high-tech, social setting.
A new driving range structure with golf simulation technology and a social atmosphere — officials described it as similar in feel to Topgolf — is coming to Ben Hawes Golf Course.
According to City of Owensboro Parks & Recreation Director Amanda Rogers, the project includes a new five-bay structure built on a concrete pad at the back tier of the existing driving range. Each bay is expected to feature seating, heaters for year-round use, and individual monitors powered by Toptracer technology, allowing players to track their swing metrics and play interactive games.
Rogers said the system uses high-speed cameras and sensors to track each shot in real time, providing data like ball speed, launch angle, and distance. Players can view stats on individual bay monitors or sync to an app on their phone — even when hitting from the traditional grass area. The platform also includes interactive games and virtual course play, making it a draw for golfers of all skill levels and a fun activity for social groups or families.
“You’ll still be able to grab a bucket of balls and hit like normal,” Rogers said. “But this adds a new level — whether you’re serious about golf or just want a fun night out with friends.”
City Golf Course Manager Charles Whelan said the technology’s reach goes beyond the bays themselves.
“You can download the Toptracer app on your phone or tablet and use it anywhere on the range,” he said. “You don’t have to be in a bay to see your stats — it’ll still track your shots. It’s the same kind of data you’d get from a launch monitor.”
Whelan said the system offers both skill-focused tools and entertainment-style features.
“You can play modes like virtual golf on famous courses, or games like Angry Birds or Closest to the Pin. It’s the same tech you’d find in Topgolf facilities or simulators, but out on the actual range,” he said.
The facility is expected to operate with different access models depending on the time of day. Use of the structure will be open to the public during select hours, primarily on evenings and weekends, with bays available for hourly rental. Traditional driving range access will remain available during other hours, with designated times for hitting off grass or the Astroturf pads depending on conditions.
While walk-ins will be welcome when space is available, Whelan said a reservation system will be encouraged.
“It’ll work a lot like booking a tee time,” he said. “With only five bays, we anticipate demand will be high — so if you want to make sure you have a spot, you’ll be able to reserve one in advance.”
He said the department is still working out the pricing model but is looking to other Kentucky courses for guidance.
“I’ve been talking to facilities that already have this setup. I’ve spoken to PGA leadership nationally to make sure we get it right,” said Whelan, who serves as the Kentucky PGA Board Vice President.
Whelan said the idea originated from a national PGA conference, where he connected with other course managers already using Toptracer.
“I saw how successful it was at their facilities and knew it could work here,” he said. “I brought it to Amanda, and she helped move it forward. We really see it as something that will bring new people out to Ben Hawes.”
The department plans to extend operating hours for the new facility, with the range staying open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Whelan said the adjacent par-3 course may also return to evening hours under lights, reviving a once-popular feature at the park. If the weekend model proves successful, weekday hours may also be extended.
Food and beverage options — including beer and wine — will be available in the evenings, adding to the social atmosphere.
“We see this as a big opportunity to grow interest in golf and to generate revenue,” Rogers said. “It’s also a great chance to bring in people who maybe aren’t golfers but want something social and engaging to do.”
The project is tentatively expected to be completed by winter, with hopes of having the facility fully operational by spring 2026.
Initial conceptual designs show a simple wood-frame building with an angled roof and patio-style furnishings in each bay. While renderings have not been finalized, the format is designed to mirror the social and interactive environment popularized by Topgolf — without the multi-tier setup.
“This will be the only Toptracer range like this in western Kentucky,” Whelan said. “There’s one up in Prestonsburg, and another private one in Valhalla, but that’s member-only. You’d have to go to Louisville or Nashville to find something similar that’s open to the public.”
