Midway Golf and Games is expanding its sports entertainment opportunities.
Owners and partners participated in a groundbreaking Wednesday at a new TopTracer-enabled, two-story driving range.
There was always a kernel of an idea to build a facility with 18 elevated driving range bays, a bar and restaurant, and a banquet center, said co-owner Tim Rost.
Development work began before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hopefully if we have a really good drop and pretty much get indoors, we can be open in May or June,” Rost said.
TopTracer, developed in 2012, is the same technology that powers TopGolf’s entertainment. The new facility will give those of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy the game of golf, Midway Golf and Games said in a news release. The range will allow players to compete for the closest shot to the pin, the longest drive and play virtually on golf courses around the world.
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The facility will be able to receive about 300 guests at a time if there is an event in the banquet center.
It’s great to have another entertainment giveaway for Columbia, said Toby Rost, co-owner and wife of Tim Rost.
“It’s nice to have other family-style things,” he said.
While there are other local venues with sporting opportunities, Midway will be the destination for golf, said Taylor Burks, president of Rost Inc.
The list is almost endless of what the Rosts would like to do to further improve Midway Golf and Games, including another 18-hole miniature golf course. Disc golf is also being explored. The facility already has a driving range and a par 3 golf course, along with batting cages, go-karts, ax throwing and more.
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The turnout of at least a couple hundred people Wednesday night speaks to the Rosts’ passion, said John States, a business development partner with Little Dixie Construction, who participated in the opening.
“This facility is going to be exceptional. There will be nothing like it in Columbia,” he said.
The opening also served as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri with a longer driving competition. About $3,000 was raised, which will support combining two large with two small for a year, said Ann Merrifield, executive director.
“We are always looking for opportunities for activities so that (big and small) they can join,” he said. “This is going to be so much fun.”
Those who offer themselves as big brothers or sisters are asked to commit for at least a year, although many participate for several years.
“Little ones have to be in kindergarten and then they grow up when they graduate from high school,” Merrifield said. “I’ve had a few big ones that had their little one from kindergarten all the way through. Then they stay in touch afterwards as well. I have a big one that will be at their little one’s wedding next fall. The little one is now 26 but they stay in contact.”
Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general topics for the Tribune. You can reach him at [email protected] or @CD_CDT On twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.