This could be a stroke of genius.
It will have 36 holes of miniature golf – but it is so much more than the typical putt-putt, according to owner Greg Bartoli, who hopes to break ground soon on Pop Stroke – Eat Play Drink.
Bartoli envisions a golf entertainment facility, a place that provides activities for those of all ages and abilities. Want to golf a championship course half-way around the world? There are three golf simulators loaded with 200 courses from all over the globe. Want a fun atmosphere to catch the big game and enjoy time with friends? There’s a party deck complete with 15 screens so you won’t miss the action.
But for all the non-miniature golf offerings, the highlight at Pop Stroke will be, no doubt, the three 9-hole courses of varying difficulties.
“It’s not like your old school” mini-golf, Bartoli said. There are no wacky windmills or smiling clowns trying to knock your golf ball out of play.
Instead, lush tropical landscaping provides all the scenery necessary.
The Port St. Lucie City Council recently approved the major site plan for the 2-acre facility in the Southern Grove area of Tradition. The site will be located south of Tradition Parkway just north of Innovation Way, and east of SW Village Parkway.
According to the city’s paperwork on the project, Pop Stroke is expected to have approximately five employees.
Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo was enthusiastic in her approval.
“For those who are not as good at golf as some, I’m excited to see a putt-putt place coming along because I’m pretty good at it,” she said during the council meeting. “It’s a great recreation opportunity.”
Mayor Gregory Oravec teased Caraballo for her modesty and suggested the possibility of a Council vs Citizen mini-golf tournament.
“Let’s go for it,” Caraballo said.
When told of the council’s tournament idea, Bartoli said that was something he could get behind. Already, he has an app in development that would serve as a leaderboard so golfers can track their scores against others.
Along with tournaments, Bartoli said he expects Pop Stroke to play host to fund-raisers, private parties, company get-togethers and other such events.
Beer, wine and ice cream will be served up at Pop Stroke and golfers can bring food out to the mini-golf courses.
Bartoli said he landed on the Tradition location because of Port St. Lucie’s growing market. He said there are lots of families coming to the area – and as they support restaurants, he suspects they’ll support the golf facility, too.
“Tradition is the center of commerce,” he said. “I zeroed in on that.”
Bartoli expects to break ground in late April and have Pop Stroke up and running by the end of the year.
While the prices haven’t yet been ironed out, he said the hours will be 10 a.m. to midnight daily, including Sundays. A website and Facebook page with more information are under development.
