PopStroke is expected to begin in the first few months of 2019. When first announced in April, it was originally planned for fall 2023. However, that turned out to be optimistic.
Anyone driving along McFarland, past the Helen Keller Boulevard construction site, can’t miss the emerald-green mounds and blue steel containers that have been appearing in recent weeks. Popstroke is partnering with Tiger Woods, TaylorMade Golf and aiming for an opening in mid-January 2020 due to holiday breaks.
Shane Robichaud is the president of PopStroke. “Electricians have finished the job. Our audiovisual-slash-tech team is doing their installation: TVs, speakers, data poles …. The landscapers have finished laying pavers in the courtyard.
Our course guy is finishing the greens. He’s literally smoothing the turf. He’s putting the sand filler on the turf. “We call it PopStroke Perfect.”
These boxcar-like containers will soon be outfitted with benches, signs, handrails, restrooms, and other features. The containers are being painted, leveled and touched up in other ways.
After announcing the site in spring, bulldozers graded the land and then began laying down artificial greens this fall.
The 10th PopStroke will rise on a previously undeveloped piece of land adjacent to Baumhower’s Victory Grille, a Hampton Inn and Baumhower’s Victory Grille. The site is located in Tyner’s Alberta district, though it’s close to the University of Alabama.
Tuscaloosa is not the only city to be impacted by a new development. In September, Sports Illustrated and Travel + Leisure announced they would locate their first resort destination here, on Rice Mine Loop, north of the Woolsey Finnell Bridge, an area previously planned as other projects, including The Bend, a mixed-use residential/shopping/entertainment plan.
Norman Crow, a city councilor in District 3 where the project is located, says that it will be a game changer when completed and opened by late 2025. Like PopStroke’s Crimson-Tide, the SI Resort will create a year round destination that is recognized by all.
The STEAM-powered Saban Center will be located further downtown. This project is a collaboration between Nick’s Kids, the charity of Nick and Terry Saban, the City of Tuscaloosa and other key donors and stakeholders. For more, see http://www.sabancenter.org.
It’s difficult to find local projects that are comparable to Druid city, particularly in the aftermath of the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011. This is because these types of projects have a significant economic and tourism impact.
Kelsey Colglazier-Rush, President and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa said: “Efforts like this improve our quality of living and make the Tuscaloosa region a great area to live and to visit.” As Tuscaloosa County’s destination marketing group, it is our responsibility to spread the spirit of this destination.
Our team is as passionate about sharing the positive momentum we are experiencing and the new developments with our residents and visitors, just like PopStroke.
@PopStrokeGolf is opening soon in #Tuscaloosa. A golf experience backed by Tiger Woods, it’ll feature two 18-hole putting courses with synthetic turf, plus a restaurant with a full menu, beer, desserts, and more!#VisitTCL #PopStroke #TuscaloosaNewBusiness pic.twitter.com/gsmHRspO6M
Visit Tuscaloosa 4 January 2024
PopStroke CEO Greg Bartoli opened the first facility of its kind, Port St. Lucie in Florida, in 2019. Woods, a 15-time major winner, will be a co-owner by 2020. PopStroke wants to create a family-friendly atmosphere for all skill levels and ages, offering ice cream and craft beer, as well as other food and drinks. Prior to the announcement in April of a Tuscaloosa store, there were seven locations in Florida and one in each Arizona and Texas. Delray Beach opened its ninth location in early November. Tuscaloosa is part of the planned expansion to 13 new locations.
Tuscaloosa’s opening has not yet been finalized due to the uncertainty of the holidays. Woods, however, will unfortunately not be in attendance, contrary to earlier reports. It is likely that there will be a “cold opening” before the grand.
Robichaud explained that they usually have a “kickoff” night. It’s small and by invitation only. “We use it as a training evening to get our employees and staff on board. To work out any kinks.”
Hiring is still a ways off. Robichaud stated that PopStroke plans to have a team assembled here in early 2024. This site is expected to hire 40 people, 15-20 per shift. However, as Tuscaloosa has a smaller population than some other locations, this process is still underway.
Job possibilities can be found online at http://www.popstroke.com/workatpopstroke, including bartenders, food runners and more, though specifics for Tuscaloosa are not yet laid out. Those interested should send a resume and application to [email protected].
Menus and prices have not been released for the local area, but PopStrokes charge $20 per 18-hole round, or $25 a day. Military and seniors (60 and older) pay $15, and children are charged $12. Guests can bring their own putters or use the ones provided.
Menus from PopStroke include appetizers, salads and burgers. Most are priced between $10 and $20, while kids’ items cost $8. The menu includes Churrasco Skirt Steak at $25, Chicken Tenders for $18 and Caribbean Mahi for $21. For more, see http://www.popstroke.com.
Reach Mark Hughes Cobb at [email protected].
