This fun outdoor activity combines elements of soccer and golf.
By Lisa Cordeiro
August 2020
Footgolf is played worldwide, usually on golf courses.
If you like soccer and golf, footgolf may be the perfect game for you. It’s a combination of the two sports, but more closely related to golf. The objective: Kick a ball into a cup in as few shots as possible.
Footgolf is enjoyed by people of all ages. You don’t need to know how to play golf or soccer, and the rules are easy to learn. It’s a fun physical activity you can enjoy outdoors either for recreation or competition. It doesn’t take as much time as a traditional round of golf and is less expensive. You could join a social or competitive club if that interests you.
How To Play
The rules for footgolf are similar to golf. Footgolf, though, doesn’t require a club; instead, players kick a regulation Number 5 soccer ball into a 21-inch cup.
Footgolf is played primarily on golf courses, but the distance between holes generally is shorter than on a traditional golf course. Players may face similar natural obstacles, such as trees and water, which they strive to avoid.
The distance between footgolf holes generally is shorter than on a traditional golf course.
The Origins
Although its exact origins are unclear, people have been playing forms of footgolf in Europe for several decades at least. It spread to other continents in the early 2000s. The first nine-hole tournament played on a golf course was organized by Michael Jansen and Bas Korstenand held in the Netherlands in 2008.
In 2011, the American FootGolf League (AFGL) was founded to govern the sport in the United States. The AFGL still exists as a league, but the governing role now falls to the American FootGolf Federation. Players can compete in regional championships with a chance to qualify for the national championship. Footgolf continues to grow, with more than 20,000 players in the United States booking times each month.
Footgolf is played worldwide. Since 2012, it has been regulated as a sport by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG).
The goal is to kick a regulation Number 5 soccer ball into a 21-inch cup in as few shots as possible.
Dress Code
When playing at a golf course, footgolfers should follow its dress code. Recommended clothing is similar to that for golf, aside from the footwear. Indoor or turf soccer shoes work well, but cleats and other soccer gear aren’t appropriate for footgolf.
If players are competing in an American FootGolf League tournament, they must adhere to the official dress code, which includes a flat hat, golf hat, or something similar; a polo-style shirt; golf-style shorts; knee-high socks; and indoor or turf soccer shoes (again, no cleats).
Basic Rules
Keep these rules in mind when playing footgolf. Be sure to review a full list at any course you play. Remember, the goal is to kick the ball into a cup in as few shots as possible.
*Follow the dress code.
*Make sure your ball is easily identifiable.
*Take care of the course.
*Review the score card and wait for your turn.
*Don’t kick your ball to interfere with other players.
*Kick your ball from up to six feet behind tee markers.
*Kick the ball in a single movement.
*Wait for the ball to come to a stop. Do not stop the ball.
Where To Play
Some footgolf clubs cater to those seeking a social experience, while others are for people who want higher levels of competition.
More than 500 footgolf courses exist in the United States and Puerto Rico. Visit the American FootGolf Federation’s website (above) to find locations near you, as well as to learn more about the sport, read the rules, learn best practices, and buy equipment. The website also lists information about competitive clubs and social clubs, as well as a calendar of tournaments.
If you discover that footgolf is something you enjoy, you can note where courses are located as you travel. Make sure you bring appropriate clothes and anything else you’d need to play. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors participating in a fun activity.
More Info
American FootGolf Federation
www.footgolf.us
American FootGolf League
www.footgolfusa.org
Federation for International FootGolf
www.fifg.org