State-of-the-art miniature golf course, dining and entertainment venue in the works near PBIA
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WEST PALM BEACH — For those who like taking out their drivers and smashing golf balls at the Drive Shack next to Palm Beach International Airport soon will be able to work on their putting as well.
A Tiger Woods-backed, state-of-the-art miniature golf course will be built on airport property at the southwestern intersection of Australian Avenue and Belvedere Road adjacent to PBIA.
Palm Beach County commissioners Tuesday agreed to lease 3.4 acres to PopStroke, a company founded in 2019 that builds mini-golf courses that it says “have something for everyone.” The airport location is expected to open by 2025.
The courses will have synthetic turf that will incorporate fairways and bunkers.
There are plans for two other PopStroke locations in Palm Beach County, in Delray Beach along North Federal Highway and in Wellington along State Road 7 just north of Wellington Regional Medical Center.
PopStroke will lease the airport site for 30 years. It will pay the county an initial annual rent of $448,158, a figure that will be adjusted every three years based on changes to the consumer price index. The payments could be higher depending on the success of the operation, as the county will be entitled to a percentage of gross revenues.
The agreement calls for a payment equal to 4% of annual gross revenues up to $10 million, plus 2% of annual gross revenues exceeding $10 million. If revenue calculations exceed the flat amount, PopStroke will have to pay the higher figure.
The project includes two 18-hole mini-golf courses that will feature jumbotron screens, music and a mobile app delivery of drinks. It also will feature an open-air building with a full-service restaurant, a rooftop pool and multiple bars, including one centered in the middle of the golf area.
Drive Shack, a high-tech driving range with an upscale sports-bar environment, opened in 2020 at 1710 Belvedere Road. And not too far away, The Park, a 192-acre public golf course, debuted this spring at 7301 Georgia Ave.
Dylana Silver-O’Brien, PopStroke's marketing vice president, said the company was attracted to the airport site because it is centrally located. More than 6 million passengers a year fly in and out of Palm Beach International Airport.
The venue is anticipated to create 100 full-time and 60 part-time jobs. The lease terms require that PopStroke invest at least $8 million in the operation.
The Jupiter-based business, founded by former Wall Street banker Greg Bartoli in 2017, builds family-friendly miniature golf courses. Woods, who lives in Jupiter Island, is a co-owner.
"We are thrilled to introduce the PopStroke experience to our friends and neighbors in Palm Beach County," Bartoli said.
Airport director Laura Beebe noted that the facility will provide passengers with a location to gather and relax with friends and family before and after their flights. PopStroke, expecting to attract airport travelers, will have storage lockers for luggage and will offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.
PopStroke is in the midst of expanding. The airport site will be its 18th location. Existing Florida operations include Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Orlando. The Delray Beach location is expected to open by the end of the year. The Wellington location is at least a year away.
More: PBSC strikes deal with Tiger Woods for new golf venture on Gardens campus
The FAA still must approve PopStroke's plans for the airport site. The lease terms require that the lighting plan not interfere with airport operations; lighting “must project in a downward direction;” and all heating and air conditioning units, loading docks and dumpsters must be shielded from public view.
The county sought proposals to develop the site. Plans were submitted in March; two other developers each proposed constructing a hotel. A selection committee unanimously recommended that the PopStroke proposal be chosen.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tiger Woods PopStroke mini golf planned near Palm Beach airport
