LAKE NONA, Fla. — A brand new attraction for golfers, even really terrible ones, is now in soft opening at Lake Nona.
- First Drive Shack opens in Lake Nona
- Attraction features one-of-a-kind interactive experiences
- Other locations coming soon to southeast U.S.
The world's first Drive Shack is located right off the 417. While the concept isn't entirely new, it offers one-of-a-kind interactive experiences.
“There’s a few games you can play," said Blake Wallace, of Ocala, who we found swinging away with his cousin. "There’s Monster Hunt where there’s like, virtual monsters that you try to hit.”
"We have a play on blackjack called our ShackJack, which is incredible," general manager Chuck Beyer told us. "We have another game that's just a play on basketball... It's very engaging. It's very addicting."
Within each bay, golfers use a touchscreen to select their game of choice. A cluster of cameras tracks your ball from the time you whack it until it rolls to a stop out on the "fairway."
Each bay also allows plenty of room to nosh and sip. The menu has everything from flatbreads, wings and Paninis to "perfect parfaits."
“We’re keeping it light and trendy," Beyer said about the menu. "It’s simple, but there’s an elegance to it.”
Oh, and about that vehicle that collects all the balls: There's a target on it. Hit it.
In addition to golfing, Drive Shack has a free play game lounge on the second floor, featuring Pop A Shot, shuffleboard, skeeball, and retro Pac Man. It's all free of charge.
Other Drive Shack locations are coming soon to West Palm Beach, Atlanta, New Orleans, Raleigh and Richmond.