The ParHopper Open
A deeper look into what The ParHopper Open is and what it’s like playing in the event. Written by one of our brand ambassadors, Stacy Ritchie.
What is the ParHopper Open?
The ParHopper Open is a lot of things to a lot of people. Yes, at its core, it is a mini golf themed bar crawl through the RiNo neighborhood where teams of two work together sinking putts and grabbing drink specials to get the lowest score possible. After you make your way through the nine locally-sponsored holes, there’s a closest to the pin challenge and – for you big-hitters – a long drive competition on some top-tier Trackman golf simulators. Once the golfing is over you can enjoy a party at the bar that hosts the final hole (most recently The Local Drive). For the bar owners, managers, and bartenders, it’s an opportunity to build a mini golf hole that shows the participants what is truly unique about your venue, and provides a chance to showcase your signature cocktails and brews. For brands looking to advertise, it provides a unique way to engage with the Denver community – sponsoring a hole; a prize for the longest drive, closest to the pin, or lowest overall score; and just face-to-face interaction with locals who would likely prefer to keep their money in the local economy.
What Makes it Unique?
I think there are a few things that make the ParHopper Open a unique experience. ParHopper gave every person attending a free bucket hat. It was pretty awesome seeing 200+ people all rocking the same bucket hat. As far as I know, it’s the only mini golf bar crawl in Denver. This most recent event was their second of 2022, and I can’t wait to see the lineup in store for 2023. Jay, Max and the ParHopper crew are always present and engaging with participants, which is actually how I met Jay and Max during their first event of 2022. They’re good people and they know how to throw an awesome party. It’s also a unique event in that all of the sponsor bars and hole sponsors are local to Denver. Winston and Joe of The Local Drive were around all day serving up cocktails and making sure everyone was having a great time, the owner of Bigby’s Folly was going around engaging with the crowd, and the crew from Ironton Distillery was a blast to hang out with at their hole.
What’s it Like Participating?
As a two-time participant, I had an opportunity to see how the event has grown over the two iterations. The bars seem intentionally selected on the criteria of who will put the time and energy into the event and create an engaging atmosphere. Every location, hole, and drink special is unique and shows the personality of the people putting on the event. The holes are challenging and entertaining in a way that gets everyone involved. Lots of laughs are had about shots that just won’t go in the cup, and cheers can be heard from blocks away when someone sinks a hole in one.
My Favorite Aspect of the Event
My favorite aspect is easily the people. As a Midwestern transplant in Denver, it can be difficult to meet people and make friends, but the ParHopper team made a social event that brings people together no matter their background. Whether it’s bonding over golf, your new favorite bar, your favorite beer, Alabama losing to Tennessee – seriously, The Local Drive was ROCKING after that game – or just chatting with local business owners who love their communities, the people are what make the ParHopper Open an event I will continue to participate in!
