PopStroke at UTC in Sarasota just got a little cooler

From the groundbreaking to the grand opening, it typically takes under nine months to build a PopStroke. 

When the dining and entertainment complex opened in University Town Center in 2022, it was only the third location. Today, there are 17 locations with another set to open at the end of the year in Palm Beach. 

“One of the greatest things about PopStroke is that it appeals to everyone,” owner Greg Bartoli said in an email. “That broad appeal is a huge part of our success. Everyone can have a great time here, regardless of age or skill level.” 

Bartoli’s partner in PopStroke is Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures. Part of the draw is that each course is designed by Woods and is unique to each location. 

Another practice that Bartoli credits PopStroke’s popularity with is listening to its customers and adapting accordingly. People wanted to be cooler when putting outside in the heat and humidity, so fans and misters were installed on the course at UTC, along with some aesthetic upgrades. 

The two 18-hole mini-golf courses were re-turfed, and wood paneling was installed inside to give the location a more elevated feel, vice president of marketing Dylana Silver-O’Brien said. 

The renovations took a month to complete, and staff worked around them versus closing and reopening. 

One course stayed open, while the other’s turf was replaced. The front desk, where guests get their golf balls, temporarily moved to an outside trailer. 

As the renovations wrapped up, a new membership program was rolled out. 

Bartoli said guests had been asking for ways to “stay more connected and get even more out of the PopStroke experience." Memberships are a way to provide “meaningful” benefits to PopStroke’s most loyal customers. 

Jason Greenspan is an events coordinator at Nathan Benderson Park. He used to play golf, but now he and his fiancee, Molly Nestleroad, are content with mini-golf. 

Nestleroad had a margarita delivered to her on the course during a private event on Oct. 30. 

Technology elevates the service and scorekeeping at PopStroke. Guests can download the PopStroke app to have drinks delivered to any hole, order dinner in between holes and keep track of their scores. 

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

A membership costs $25 a month, which is the same price as a day pass. However, a membership requires a three-month commitment. Benefits include unlimited mini-golf games using an upgraded TaylorMade Spider putter and discounts on food, drinks and events. 

Greenspan said he’d consider a membership, especially because he works so close by. For now, Silver-O’Brien said the memberships are only good at the Sarasota location.

Currently, there are eight PopStrokes in Florida. Bartoli lives in Jupiter, but the brand has also expanded outside of Florida with locations in Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. 

The company is actively scouting new markets across the United States. While being a national brand is the end goal, Bartoli doesn’t want to lose sight of what makes PopStroke special. 

“We've built PopStroke to foster those moments that get people to put their phones down, laugh, play and make memories together,” he said. “As we grow, we remain committed to providing an exceptional experience in every area, getting to know each community and adapting to what guests enjoy most.”

Outside of using the app to order and keep score, there are plenty of other ways to unplug at PopStroke. Activities include ping pong, foosball and cornhole. There’s also a playground for little ones and a bar for the 21 and over crowd. 

Even the ice cream parlor takes an extra step to appeal to all ages. The menu includes “boozy shakes.” The “Chocolate Peanut Butter Wasted” is blended with peanut butter whiskey, vanilla ice cream, Kahlua and chocolate syrup. 

Silver-O’Brien said the most common misconception about PopStroke is that you need a golf pass to get in.

All those amenities, you can enjoy by just being here,” she said. “You can just come to eat or drink and hang out.”

Each PopStroke is a little different from the rest, but Bartoli said the Sarasota location has been a “standout.” 

“It’s a vibrant spot where we’ve seen people come back time and again for the golf, the atmosphere and the food,” he said.