Some projects stick with you more than others—and working on the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey for Topgolf in Pompano Beach, Florida is definitely one of them. Not just because Topgolf is an iconic destination, but because this job felt like the perfect intersection of two worlds I genuinely enjoy: surveying and golf.
Topgolf Pompano Beach is fully operational, which made this ALTA survey especially interesting. Unlike surveying raw land or a vacant commercial site, this project required documenting an active, high-energy entertainment venue with real-world constraints, improvements, and operations happening all around us. It was a reminder that land surveying isn’t just lines and coordinates—it’s about understanding how a property actually functions.
What Goes Into an ALTA/NSPS Survey?
For those unfamiliar, an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is the gold standard for commercial real estate. It provides a detailed picture of property boundaries, easements, rights-of-way, improvements, utilities, access points, and potential encroachments. Lenders, attorneys, developers, and title companies rely on these surveys to minimize risk and make informed decisions.
At a site like Topgolf, that scope becomes even more critical. We documented:
- Property boundaries and record information
- Existing buildings and structures
- Driving range netting and poles
- Parking areas and access drives
- Utilities and visible easements
- Relationships between improvements and property lines
Every shot—just like in golf—had to be precise.
The Similarities Between Surveying and Golf
Standing on site at Topgolf, watching balls sail down range while we collected data, it hit me how similar surveying and golf really are.
Precision Matters
In golf, a few inches can mean the difference between the fairway and the rough. In surveying, inches can mean the difference between compliance and a costly problem. Both demand accuracy, discipline, and attention to detail.
Strategy Over Strength
Golf isn’t about swinging as hard as you can—it’s about playing smart. Surveying is the same way. Knowing where to set control, how to work around obstacles, and how to sequence your fieldwork efficiently makes all the difference, especially on a busy site like Topgolf.
Adapting to Conditions
Wind, weather, crowds, and slope affect golf shots—and they affect surveying too. On this project, we had to work around ongoing operations, traffic, and public activity while still maintaining survey-grade accuracy.
Consistency Wins
Great golfers aren’t great because of one perfect shot—they’re great because they repeat good shots over and over. Surveying success comes from the same mindset: consistent procedures, quality checks, and solid field-to-office workflows.
Surveying an Active Topgolf Facility
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was surveying a property that people actually use and enjoy every day. Topgolf isn’t just a building—it’s an experience. That means multiple structures, complex layouts, tall netting systems, and improvements spread across a large footprint.
Because the facility already exists, accuracy was critical. We weren’t just showing theoretical conditions—we were documenting reality. Every building corner, pole, drive aisle, and utility feature had to be captured exactly as it exists today so that all parties involved could rely on the data with confidence.
It was also refreshing to work on a site that buzzes with energy. Surveying can sometimes be quiet and solitary. At Topgolf, there was music, movement, and life happening around us—and honestly, it made the days go by fast.
Why This Project Was So Much Fun
As a surveyor—and as someone who enjoys golf—this project checked a lot of boxes. It was technically challenging, visually interesting, and personally rewarding. Not every day do you get to say you helped support the real estate documentation for one of the most recognizable golf-entertainment venues in South Florida.
There’s a certain pride that comes with being part of a project people recognize. Years from now, when someone mentions Topgolf Pompano Beach, I’ll know our team played a role in helping define and document that property accurately and professionally.
Final Thoughts
Doing an ALTA/NSPS survey for Topgolf in Pompano Beach was a great reminder of why I enjoy this profession. Surveying, like golf, rewards patience, precision, and preparation. It challenges you to think ahead, adapt in real time, and always aim for accuracy.
Projects like this are why I love what I do. They combine technical expertise with real-world impact—and sometimes, they even let you work next to a driving range while doing it.
If you ever wondered whether land surveying can be fun, this one definitely was.