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From Mini-Golf to a Golfing Revolution: The Rise of PopStroke

Back in the early 2010s, Wall Street trader Greg Bartoli had a simple yet brilliant idea: create a place where parents could watch sports while their kids played safely nearby. That vision led him to buy three mini-golf courses in Florida—each paired with a sports bar and ice cream shop. The first location, Lighthouse Cove, was an instant hit, prompting Bartoli to open two more under the same name.

But Bartoli wasn’t satisfied with just running mini-golf courses. By 2013, he had pivoted to founding an investment firm focused on leisure and real estate. That venture eventually evolved into PopStroke—a revolutionary chain blending mini-golf, craft drinks, and games like cornhole and ping pong.

Today, PopStroke boasts 21 locations across seven states, with plans to expand rapidly. Bartoli jokes that the first five years were just the warm-up—"the next six will be even crazier."

A New Kind of Mini-Golf—Where Fun Meets Challenge

The name PopStroke comes from Bartoli’s father, a scratch golfer who introduced him to the game. Unlike traditional mini-golf, PopStroke’s courses mimic real golf greens, complete with deceptive slopes and tricky breaks. The result? A putting experience that feels like an actual challenge—not just a casual pastime.

What truly sets PopStroke apart is its tech-driven experience. A custom app handles orders, loyalty rewards, and even tracks player stats. Soon, a smart golf ball with a chip will auto-score putts, and hole-in-one cameras will immortalize triumphant moments. As Bartoli puts it: "a mobile app that runs the whole experience," giving PopStroke a competitive edge.

More Than Just Golf—It’s a Social Destination

PopStroke isn’t just for golfers. The chain markets itself as a family-friendly hub where 75% of guests just want cocktails and music, while the remaining 25% are avid golfers seeking a challenge. It’s a place where beginners can learn without pressure, and seasoned players can refine their skills in a relaxed setting.

Bartoli sees PopStroke as more than a business—it’s a gateway to golf for those intimidated by traditional courses. Yet, it still appeals to serious players who appreciate the strategic depth of its well-designed greens.

The Future of PopStroke: Big Ambitions, Bigger Plans

With 250 U.S. locations planned by 2030, PopStroke’s growth strategy includes:

• Indoor venues for year-round play
• Smaller "Pop 60" spots for urban areas
• Food trucks expanding beyond fixed locations
• International expansion on the horizon

Bartoli admits scaling up is challenging, but he’s confident PopStroke’s unique blend of fun, challenge, and familiarity will keep families and golfers coming back.

As the chain grows, one thing is clear: PopStroke isn’t just mini-golf—it’s a revolution in leisure.