Renowned for its vibrant nightlife presence, the Northgate neighborhood has a new addition in PopStroke: A mini-golf venue that transcends entertainment boundaries and seeks to offer something for everyone in the neighborhood, from all ages to all skill levels.
Amidst the whirlwind of rapid development sweeping most parts of Bryan-College Station, with new entertainment venues and apartments springing up seemingly overnight, PopStroke looks to set itself apart.
General manager Gage Plentovich, who came to the College Station location after working for two other PopStroke locations, said they changed the theme of their business to cater to the Aggieland spirit.
“We bring technology to the next level,” Plentovich said. “Basically, when people come in, we ask for their phone number, and we create their own tab — they can scan any of the QR codes on the tables or even on the courses. When they scan that [and] put the order in, we bring the order to them while they are playing.”
Plentovich said the facility has two eighteen-hole courses — a white course with traditional terrain where people can bring their strollers along with the maroon course, which with more hills imposes more of a challenge to players.
Executive producer for KBTX Rusty Surette said PopStroke is an exciting addition to the town, offering something for everyone and bringing together all corners of the community.
“One of the things that I hear from a lot of people in our community is the desire to have more activities for families and for adults,” Surette said. “We have so much for college students — which is expected in a college town, but I think anytime you get something like this that everyone can enjoy, it’s a win-win for everyone. I think it’s just a terrific addition.”
Surette said he heard rave reviews from a friendly reporter praising the fun on the golf course and the food who went to one of the PopStroke locations, and now, he wants to try it all for himself.
General engineering junior Lola Shmeis, a resident of The Gardens Apartments which borders PopStroke, said while noise issues initially annoyed residents, the management has figured out a way to accommodate the needs of the neighbors.
“A lot of residents in the building right across it were not very happy with the music in the first week of its opening — it was loud until like 1 a.m.,” Shmeis said. “I can’t really hear it anymore. I think they figured out the logistics.”
Surette said the residents of the neighborhood can expect more changes around them as the city completes the puzzle of affixing a new character to Northgate.
“There is a lot of new development planned for that area,” Surette said. “PopStroke is just one piece of the development that is planned along the Century Square. There are new things that are planned across the street, where Hurricane Harry’s is. The neighborhood across the Hensel Park — the city has plans to develop that area as well.”
Plentovich said they will accommodate any of the concerns of the neighbors, and the management is more than willing to work with people in the surrounding areas.
Business management sophomore Lucas Collins said he had a wonderful time at the PopStroke and he thinks it is different from other mini-golf courses.
“In comparison, I would say this place has a great versatility,” Collins said. “You can get food. You can get a drink here while you are moving around. I would say it’s more family-oriented — just connecting with people. I would say this is probably the best one I’ve been.”
They have several promotions throughout the week for customers to enjoy including Aggieday on Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, Plentovich said.
“We’ve had a few events with the sororities, with our food truck bringing the PopStroke out,” Plentovich said. “We will have some food truck events for the football games as well — PopStroke is not even just about golf as well.”
