The new Orlando attraction aims to bring families together in the hopes of getting the most enjoyment from a mini golf outing.
Pop Stroke, a Tiger Woods-backed golf concept that also includes ice cream, barbies, drinks and playgrounds, opened Florida’s second and ninth locations this week. The new facility will be added to the growing roster of dining, shopping and entertainment venues that will appear at Hamlin Town Center in Horizon West.
Popstroke CEO Greg Bartoli, who partnered with Woods and his company TGR Design in 2019, said the modern concept has a multi-generational appeal.
“Putting is a great introduction to the game of golf. It’s not intimidating. It’s something that a five-year-old can do, something that an 85-year-old can do, and anyone can do in the meantime,” he said. “We have a children’s playground, 24 premium ice cream, cornhole, foodballs, ping pong, three bars and a mobile app distribution. Golf might take people, but when you come here they’ll come back for the overall experience.”
The concept is aimed at parents, grandparents, children and young couples, but at least slightly tech-savvy is a requirement for a visit. Everything about the pop-stroke experience is done through the company’s own app, from scoring to mobile drink orders, while on the course.
Future upgrades will capture hole-in-one celebrations by tracking scores (similar to top golf) and cameras on each hole, including golf ball tips.
With a partnership with Taylormade with two expert-designed 18-hole turf courses, golf is the focus of a pop-stroke experience, but far from the only draw. The company started with Jupiter five years ago and has since grown dramatically, adding upgrades along the way.
“We spent a lot of time on the cooking experience and didn’t want to hide in the golf experience, so we created a bartender brand,” Bartoli said. “Our chicken bids are fresher and far more quality than Chick-fil-A and cane breeding.”
After his Wall Street career, Bartoli turned his attention to miniature golf when he opened Jupiter Lighthouse Cove in 2013.
“It was about ideas that allow you to connect with family and friends for generations,” he said. “Kids can enjoy the playground, but moms and dads can enjoy cocktails and drinks.”
The latest pop-stroke location is planned for an international drive next year, in addition to its first location at Lake Waterford in Orlando. Nationally, the company continues to expand in 18 locations in seven states.
“The goal was to modernize the putting and miniature golf experience,” Bartoli said. “We are leaning heavily towards our Florida location and continue to evolve with Arizona, Las Vegas, Texas and Tennessee.”
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If you’re going
Pop Stroke is the 5487 Hamring Robe Stroke in Winter Garden and is open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 9am. Adult Day Passes typically cost $30 from Monday through Thursday and $30 from Friday. Passes for children, seniors and military members are cheaper. Details: 407-614-6605 or popstroke.com
Original issue: August 7, 2025, 12:30pm EDT
