Whether you are a complete newcomer or an experienced player, the game of footgolf can be a great addition to your golfing repertoire.
It is a sport that has its roots in golf, but is much more challenging and interesting, offering players a unique golf experience.
In this article, you’ll learn about its origins, rules of play, and how to play the game.
Origins
Despite its origins being unknown, FootGolf has a long history. It is played with a regulation soccer ball and largely follows golf rules. The goal is to get the ball into a specialty hole with as few kicks as possible.
FootGolf is played with a standard size #5 soccer ball. Players try to get the ball into a 21-inch diameter hole in as few shots as possible. During a FootGolf round, a player can be up to four in a group.
FootGolf has gained popularity around the world and is still in the process of being recognized as a sport in many countries. The first FootGolf World Cup was held in Hungary in June 2012.
FootGolf is played on a nine-hole course that is shorter than a normal golf course. The holes run perpendicular to the regular golf holes. The player may walk the course, or use a golf cart.
FootGolf was first played in the Netherlands in 2008. It was introduced in Argentina in 2010. In June 2012, the Federation for International FootGolf was established. Since then, the sport has been played in many countries.
Rules of behaviour
Having a good understanding of the rules of FootGolf will go a long way in ensuring a fun and safe round. Some of the more esoteric rules are more complicated than others but the best rule of thumb is to avoid any contact with other players.
It’s also not a good idea to try and cheat or defraud your fellow competitors. The tournament director has the power to scold and disqualify a player.
The most important rule of thumb is to never leave your teeing area. If you need to go to the bathroom, or want a rest, you’re out of luck.
Likewise, it’s important to remember that you cannot tee off at the very same time as the rest of the field.
Likewise, you can’t practice in any zone prior to competition. It’s a good idea to keep your ball in your pocket while walking the course, but the best rule of thumb is to keep the ball in your pocket for the entirety of the round.
Downsides
Unlike golf, the footgolf game doesn’t require you to be at the helm, making it an ideal introduction to the game for younger folks.
The game also provides a healthy dose of exercise. In addition, the game is a great way to bond with your kids, allowing you to both share a fun activity while helping them learn a life skill.
To get started, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with the basics of the game. This includes understanding the rules of play and the expected etiquette, like the way to swing a club. You’ll also need to learn the proper protocol for announcing yourself to the golf aficionados in the clubhouse.
Fortunately, the game is a breeze to learn. Once you’ve mastered the ropes, you’ll be a pro in no time.
As with any sport, the requisite amount of attention to detail will pay off. The best way to ensure you don’t end up in hot water is to follow the tournament rules to the letter. This is especially true if you’re in the field of one of the more competitive groups.
Course design
During the process of designing a footgolf course, you will need to consider several key elements. These include safety, flow, and integration. You will also want to consider your course’s aesthetics.
You can enhance your footgolf course’s aesthetics by choosing a site that has natural streams or lakes. Natural streams add a sense of charm to your course design and give it a refreshing energy.
If your course has water, you need to make sure that your water hazards are visible to players and sized properly. You will also want to design your water hazards so that they provide a challenging challenge for players of all skill levels. You will also want to ensure that the water is deep and wide.
Water is such an important element in a golf course’s operation. In fact, there have been entire books written about water on golf courses. However, regulations discourage placing a golf course near a natural stream. This can cause playability issues and may even be detrimental to the game.