Located off Siegen Lane in Baton Rouge, Golf Suites is much more than a driving range. It is an entertainment destination designed to bring people together. Families gather there after work, college students spend evenings with friends, coworkers celebrate milestones, and golfers of all skill levels find a place to practice and have fun. According to Jacob Rhodes, Director of Operations and General Manager, creating that sense of connection is exactly the point.

Jacob has worked at the Baton Rouge location for a little over a year. During our conversation, one thing became clear: he genuinely loves people.

He explained that helping others and building relationships is something he discovered later in life, but today it sits at the center of his leadership philosophy. When he stepped into his role as General Manager and Director of Operations, one of his primary goals was to strengthen the culture among employees and create an environment where everyone felt involved.

“We’re one big family,” he explained.

This mindset influences the way he leads his team every day. Rather than focusing solely on operations, Jacob places a significant emphasis on camaraderie, teamwork, and creating a workplace people genuinely enjoy being part of.

One quote from our conversation perfectly captured that philosophy:

“I do not want people to say, ‘I have to go to work today.’ I want people to say, ‘I get to go to work today.’”

For Jacob, work is a privilege. He believes that having responsibilities, leading a team, and serving guests is something to be grateful for rather than something to dread. That perspective has helped create a culture where employees encourage one another and take pride in what they do.

That philosophy extends directly to the guest experience.

When I asked Jacob what separates Golf Suites from other entertainment venues, he spoke about service.

“I always like to say, you’re not an order taker, you’re a server,” he said. “You’re giving them an atmosphere, connection, interaction, and a conversation.”

It was one of the most memorable moments of our interview. In an industry where it can be easy to focus only on transactions, Jacob encourages his staff to focus on relationships. The goal is not simply delivering food and drinks. The goal is creating an experience that guests remember long after they leave.

That commitment to hospitality is clear throughout the facility. Golf Suites has more than 30 bays equipped with TrackMan technology, a sophisticated Doppler radar system that tracks ball flight and performance data in real time. Guests can play virtual courses, play in games, or simply enjoy a relaxed evening hitting golf balls with friends.

The venue also features a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a destination even for people who have never picked up a golf club. Jacob emphasized that guests are welcome to come simply for the food, drinks, and atmosphere.

As opposed to a 3-page menu, Jacob adopts the philosophy of many successful restaurants: do fewer things but do them exceptionally well.

Rather than offering an overwhelming number of options, Golf Suites focuses on a smaller menu that prioritizes quality and consistency. Popular items include their smash burger, wings, wraps, and a customer-favorite Chicken Caesar Wrap.

Great food is a given, but affordability is a major focus the leadership team looks at. Golf Suites recently reintroduced several popular promotions, including $2 beers and $3 well drinks, along with $1 wings Monday through Thursday. Morning golf rates are discounted as well, creating opportunities for more people to experience the facility without a significant financial commitment.

Jacob and the leadership team view these promotions as an incentive to introduce new guests and help them discover what makes Golf Suites unique. A great strategy that works phenomenally. 

Jacob says the facility is currently experiencing record-breaking growth. Revenue has increased, guest counts continue to rise, and the leadership team meets weekly to discuss ways to improve the experience even further.

Future plans include expanding coverage on the deck allowing guests to enjoy the space even during inclement weather. Other long-term goals include miniature golf and pickleball courts, creating even more opportunities for community engagement.

Jacob believes part of that growth reflects a broader trend occurring throughout the golf industry.

Just a decade ago, golf was often stereotyped as a sport primarily enjoyed by older generations. Today, however, younger players are embracing the game at unprecedented rates. Golf has become more accessible, more social, and more appealing to families and young professionals. Golf Suites fits directly within that movement.

As our conversation ended, I reflected on the duality of such a place and the people behind the scenes that make it so great. What stayed with me was the way Jacob talked about his team.

Throughout our conversation, he consistently redirected praise toward the people around him. He spoke about his staff with genuine appreciation. He spoke about the management team with respect. He spoke about Baton Rouge with optimism. Even when discussing the pressure that comes with leadership, he never described it as a burden. Instead, he described it as a privilege.

Most people spend their lives trying to avoid pressure. Jacob sees pressure as evidence that what he is doing matters. If there is responsibility, there is purpose. If there is challenge, there is growth. If there are people depending on you, there is something worth showing up for. And this is exactly why Golf Suites feels the way it does.

When guests arrive, they are greeted by servers who are encouraged to create conversations instead of simply taking orders. Families gather around tables and celebrate milestones. Friends spend hours laughing in golf bays. College students discover a new hobby. Coworkers become friends. People who have never touched a golf club before finding themselves having fun anyway.

Somewhere between the food, the atmosphere, the competition, and the conversations, people begin creating memories. Jacob and his team are building this from the ground up. 

In a world that often feels disconnected, places like this matter the most. Golf is a game that teaches patience. No one becomes great overnight. It takes thousands of swings, countless rounds, and a willingness to keep showing up even when the results are not immediate. The team continues investing in people, investing in experiences, and investing in Baton Rouge.

After spending time with Jacob, one thing became abundantly clear. The success of Golf Suites is not rooted solely in technology, promotions, revenue growth, or expansion plans. Its success is rooted in people. 

This team of people care deeply about what they are building, and they are inviting Baton Rouge to be a part of it. If the passion, heart, and vision behind Golf Suites are any sign, I have a feeling the best rounds are still ahead.