MONTICELLO, NY — Resorts World Catskills held a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 30 for New York State’s first and only Topgolf Swing Suite at The Alder, what the casino calls its new lifestyle hotel.

The Topgolf Swing Suite is a virtual golf game that allows players to hit a ball into a large screen. The path of the ball is played out on the screen as if flying through the golf course.

There are at least eight other games that can be played on the screen, including Zombie Dodgeball, baseball pitching, football passing, shooting a hockey puck (actually a ball) at the net and breaking balloons.

The virtual screen is rented out for $20 per hour, per person, and the booths can accommodate up to eight players. 

“Whether you are a novice or a seasoned golfer, the newest entertainment attraction to our destination resort appeals to everyone. Unique to Resorts World Catskills but also unique to the state, we are home to the first and only Topgolf Swing Suite in New York,” said Kevin Kline, chief operating officer and general manager of Resorts World Catskills. “Topgolf Swing Suite is one of several amenities and experiences that we offer our guests at the integrated campus.”

Reduced slots

The casino will undergo another change, as management has sought permission from the New York State Gaming Commission to reduce the number of slot machines at the venue by 550, leaving the facility with 1,600. 

In January the casino’s parent company Empire Resorts, announced that it would be eliminating the slot machine operation at Monticello Casino and Raceway, located just a few miles from the new casino. The 1,000 slot machines will be shut down by April 23, as casino management makes adjustments to improve its revenue—which has not been as robust as expected.