Tee off with… Tom Borer

We sat down with our fantastic Course Designer, Tom Borer, for the first interview in our “Tee Off With” series. In this series, we spotlight different members of our Swingers team. We chatted with Tom about everything from crazy golf and the upcoming Swingers Carnival launch to his journey to becoming the greatest crazy golf course designer on Earth.

Swingers: Hello, Tom! Let’s start with an easy one. How long have you been with us here at Swingers?

Tom: Basically since the dawn of time! I’ve been with Swingers since the very beginning. I started with the first pop-up in Shoreditch and became a full-time employee in March 2020. It’s been quite a journey.

Swingers: It certainly has. How did you end up as our Course Designer?

Tom: I was already designing and building Swingers’ courses as a self-employed contractor. As Swingers expanded, I spent more time with the team and worked on various projects as the company evolved. Eventually, in 2020, I was offered the full-time role of Course Designer, and I jumped at the chance.

Swingers: We’re so glad you stayed with us. What’s your favourite part of the job? (Aside from being the office chatterbox.)

Tom: Ha! I don’t chatter—what are you talking about? Definitely seeing guests, both new and regular, enjoy the courses I’ve designed. It might sound a bit harsh, but I actually enjoy watching guests and the team find the course challenging and sometimes struggle. It wouldn’t be fun if everyone could sink a hole-in-one every time. I’ve gotten quite good at adding a few tricks and surprises into my work when creating the courses at Swingers. I use 3D modelling software and test the holes at our fabricator’s workshop, but nothing beats watching the public play. It’s in those moments that the designs truly come to life.

Swingers: We have to ask, what’s your best golf score, honestly?

Tom: I scored a 16 on the Big Wheel course at West End. And while I did get 9 hole-in-ones in a row on the Meteorite course during testing, that doesn’t really count. But let’s say it does for the purpose of this interview.

Swingers: Impressive! Speaking of courses, do you have a favourite from our venues?

Tom: Meteorite is definitely my favourite right now. It’s the newest design in our most up to date Swingers era and represents years of learning and progression. I’m always striving to improve, but for now, this course is the one I’m most proud of. I think once Swingers Las Vegas opens, the new Hot Air Balloon course might become a favourite for both me and our guests.

Swingers: Exciting! We can’t wait to show our guests the Hot Air Balloon course. Any tips for getting a hole-in-one?

Tom: Trust your instincts and don’t overthink it. I’ve also found that the more cocktails you order on the course, the better you get.

Swingers: Noted. What’s coming up at Swingers that you’re looking forward to?

Tom: I’m excited about travelling to Las Vegas in September for pre-opening playtesting of Swingers Las Vegas. Hopefully, the heat will be under control by then—just super glad Swingers Las Vegas will have the best air con known to man. I’m also really looking forward to the Swingers Carnival opening in the West End this September.

Swingers: Some really exciting stuff heading our way indeed. Can you tell us more about Swingers Carnival and Swingers Las Vegas?

Tom:The Carnival design layout has become a big part of my role, even though it’s totally different from anything we’ve done before. With old-school games taking over a previous Helter Skelter course at Swingers West End, it will be fascinating to see how introducing another competitive socialising aspect transforms the space and venue. Plus, it gives our guests another reason to get competitive. It’s been a long, technical journey to get Carnival ready, but it will be worth it once we see our guests having a “ball”!

As for Vegas, I can’t wait to see the venue taking shape. I visited a couple of months ago, and the progress since then is astonishing. Plus, it will feature some brand-new mechanisms that are bigger and better than anything we’ve done before. The team has really outdone themselves, and I think it’s going to blow people’s minds.

Swingers: Lovely stuff, Tom. Thanks for being so fantastic and helping propel Swingers into the brand we are today. We love your work and can’t wait to see Swingers Las Vegas and Swingers Carnival. Now get back to chatting in the office.

Tom: Ha! You’re very welcome. And again, I have no idea what you’re talking about!