Des Moines, Iowa, is gaining several indoor golf-themed restaurants

DES MOINES, Iowa — Golf is having a moment in the Des Moines metro.

Not just the kind played on a course at a park or a country club, though that boomed as outdoor pursuits exploded in popularity during the masked-up phase of the pandemic.

Now it’s digitally driven spinoffs and other versions that are grabbing people’s attention, led by the Topgolf climate-controlled, computer-tracked driving ranges, replete with food and beverage service, that have sprung up in 80 cities around the nation. It’s a club West Des Moines is now slated to join.

At least two other bar-restaurants offering a Topgolf-style experience are planned for the metro. Jessica Dunker, Iowa Restaurant Association president and CEO, said it’s part of the “experiential dining” trend.

Eateries that offer various forms of entertainment — whether a special ambiance or “vibe,” or activities like a driving range — are now top of the list for people seeking an outing that includes a meal, she said.

Golf is a natural focus because it’s a sport that draws participants who tend to have disposable income, Dunker said.

“Golfers spend money,” she said. “They spend money on food and drinks when they’re out there. So catering to the income levels of a lot of golfers, that would make a tremendous amount of sense.”

While specific development plans for the West Des Moines Topgolf haven’t been announced, operators broke ground last week for a competitor, Bombers in Johnston.

Here’s a look at what it and others are teeing up.

Bombers counters Topgolf with expanded offerings

Bombers, which recently broke ground in Johnston, is one of several golf-focused drinking and dining establishments planned for metro Des Moines.
Bombers originally was slated to be primarily an adult-oriented driving-range concept using the proprietary Topgolf technology, Toptracer. But it pivoted to include more options when Topgolf announced its plans to build in West Des Moines last year.

Allen Stoye, principal of Johnston Golf Development, said Bombers will have 36 hitting bays, down from the 60 initially planned, although 18 more could be added if demand warrants. But that doesn’t mean the overall facility will shrink. Initially slated for 35,000 square feet, it’s now shooting for 80,000, Stoye said.

“We made a few adjustments at that point,” he said.

That extra space will house an ax-throwing center, a 12-lane bowling alley and an arcade. An indoor mini-golf course will snake through…