Last weekend LSG’s team had a team bonding afternoon where they played FootGolf. Never heard of it? Me neither, but it is a real thing and the girls had a great time.
Wikipedia defines FootGolf…
Footgolf is a precision sport where players kick a football into a cup in as few shots as possible…
The game is played the same way as golf, except players use a football instead of a golf ball, and the ball is kicked rather than struck with a club, working towards a 21-inch “cup” in place of the usual golf hole. The player who plays the 9 or 18 holes with the fewest shots wins. Footgolf as sport is played on golf courses only. The first shot has to be played from the tee box, and to reach the hole, bunkers, trees, water and hills have to be crossed or avoided. This means a powerful shot is useful, but not decisive. Reading the course, a smart approach and accurate putting are even more important.
The game is played a regulation No. 5 soccer ball. Because soccer balls travel less distance than golf balls, footgolf is played on holes shorter than those used for golf, with one course in California averaging 157 yards. Pars are typically 5 or below. Paul Collinson of the UK Footgolf Association has observed that compared to golf, footgolf is quicker to play, more accessible to players, and does not require expensive equipment.
Who knew there was an actual FootGolf Association?
It was an unexpectedly hot day so that made things a little less enjoyable, but the girls had fun aiming and shooting balls and we had fun watching them. I especially enjoyed watching them get the soccer balls out of the lake- ha-ha! I couldn’t help but giggle a bit at the combination of crazy kids kicking soccer balls and sedate golfers hitting golf balls, but the two seemed to mix just fine and of course it helped they weren’t on the same course at the same time. (Although I’m not so sure the people who live in the apartments overlooking the course are so enthusiastic!)
There don’t seem to be many foot golf courses around yet, but I hope this is something that will catch on quickly. It was reasonable, fun and a great way to get the girls together.
If you want to see more about how the game is played I found a funny video report from The Guardian, a British newspaper about how FootGolf is trying to conquer America. You can find a FootGolf course near you at the American FootGolf League or by visiting gofootgolf.com.
Happy FootGolfing!