BigShots Golf Lounge is part of the Metropolitan Club's rebranding.
Despite the perceived exclusivity of the Metropolitan, the loungeon the 67th floor of Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr.is a state-of-the-art area that is accessible to the general public, according to Experience Specialist Austin Farms.
And rental prices are pretty affordable for the lounge, which as two playing spaces; each space is $35/hour Mondays through Wednesdays and $45/hour Thursdays and Fridays (for up to six people), for members. For now, the lounge is closed on weekends. (Access for the general public takes place through Metropolitan's private-events team.)
BigShotsaccessible through another lounge called Blueprint, which is also being revampedincludes a Doppler radar tracking system, providing data on swing, speed and distance to give a more authentic golfing experience. Players can also opt for other golf-based virtual games like Knockout and Pinball (which this writer did okay on), which offer an opportunity for novice golfers to master the game in a friendly and non-intimidating setting. While enjoying the simulator bays, guests will also be able to order some cool food and drinks from BigShots' menu. (Drinks include a watermelon mojito and the Lily Collins, a twist on the typical Tom Collins; food items range from BigShots sliders to crispy red chili cauliflower.)
As previously mentioned, Metropolitan is, as Farms said, "becoming modernized." That extends to the club's other restaurants: Frame (more casual) and Craftsman (more upscale).
The trick, Farms added, is to be more inclusive and maintain the Metropolitan's high standards. Utilizing his background in hospitality, Farms compared the club's rebranding to Chicago's newer five-star hotels and the older upscale ones: "The newer hotels have contemporary features, but there's still room for the traditional hotels."
For an article on Metropolitan's inclusivity regarding the LGBTQ+ community, there is this Windy City Times article from 2019: www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Historic-private-club-reinvents-itself-to-be-more-inclusive/65781.html .
For more about BigShots (which is slated to have a grand opening Sept. 23), visit www.clubcorp.com/clubs/the-metropolitan/bigshots-golf-lounge/ .