Topgolf has announced the appointment of Erin Chamberlin as its next chief operating officer. Chamberlin, who previously held executive roles at Caesars Entertainment and Penn Entertainment, brings a wealth of experience from the U.S. gaming industry to her new position at the golf entertainment company. Topgolf is eager to utilize her extensive background in gaming to enhance the entertainment offered at their golf driving ranges, which feature electronically tracked balls that facilitate a variety of games, contests, and skill challenges.
Before joining Topgolf, Chamberlin was the senior vice president of regional operations at Penn Entertainment, a role she has held since 2019. Artie Starrs, CEO of Topgolf, expressed his enthusiasm for Chamberlin’s appointment, noting her expertise in the hospitality industry and her alignment with Topgolf’s brand spirit. “Erin’s extensive background as a leader in one of the most complex and dynamic hospitality categories will be a great benefit to all of us at Topgolf,” Starrs said. “We’re fortunate to have found a leader who has the expertise for the role and embraces our brand’s playful spirit as we further strengthen and solidify the unique Topgolf experience we deliver to players.”
Chamberlin’s career in the gaming industry began after earning her MBA from Duke University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. She climbed the corporate ladder at Caesars Entertainment, evolving from a slot director at Caesars Atlantic City to the company’s regional president of its Mid-Atlantic business. Her last role with Caesars was managing the Horseshoe Baltimore Casino, a regional property challenged under the Las Vegas casino giant’s portfolio. She joined Penn Entertainment in September 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the industry landscape.
Now at Topgolf, Chamberlin is expected to leverage her gaming expertise to keep guests entertained and returning to the golf driving ranges. Familiar with the Topgolf concept, Chamberlin shared her excitement about the transition. “As a Topgolf player myself, I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to bring my gaming entertainment experience into the modern golf space,” Chamberlin said. “It’s an exciting time to join the brand, and I look forward to working with the accomplished teams responsible for the day-to-day success of our venues and player experience.”
Topgolf operates approximately 100 outdoor ranges worldwide, each featuring Toptracer technology and complemented by a “top-tier food and drink menu,” the company states. The convergence of modern golf and gaming is not unprecedented. In 2021, Topgolf partnered with BetMGM for integrated cross-marketing and promotions. Topgolf also has “Swing Suite” locations in various U.S. casinos, including Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, Beau Rivage and Golf Strike casinos in Mississippi, Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, and Penn Entertainment’s Hollywood Casino.
In a bid to increase foot traffic around Horseshoe Baltimore, Caesars enticed Topgolf to open an outdoor driving range next to the casino. Topgolf Baltimore opened on October 28, 2022, but was listed for sale less than a year later for $59.3 million.
