A game gaining steam around the world is footgolf – a combination of soccer and golf that that can be played by people of all ages and skill sets, and there is a course in Centerburg set up.
Footgolf is played much like golf except players use a soccer ball instead of a golf ball and feet instead of gold clubs. The game is normally played on a golf course, and the No. 5 soccer ball is kicked into a 52-centimeter cup, according to the American Footgolf Federation. Like golf, the player who finishes with the fewest shots is the winner. The first shot is played from the tee box and since the soccer ball won’t travel nearly as far each kick as a golf ball would, the course generally is shorter but will include obstacles such as bunkers and hazards. Holes generally run from 45 yards to 190 yards from tee to cup. Pars are normally five shots or fewer. Official rules for the game were created in 2013 by the Federation of International FootGolf.
According to footgolffrenzy.com, the origin of footgolf is a bit hazy, as it has been attributed to a number of countries. One story is that Juan Manuel Aensi of Barcelona created the game in 2008. The first footgolf tournament occurred in Holland in 2008, organized by Bas Korsten and Michael Jansen. It was played on a golf course and included professional football (soccer) players from Belgium and Holland.
The idea of the game reportedly came to Jansen from Willem Korsten, who was a Dutch football player for Tottenham Hotspur. He said that he would end training by kicking a football into the changing room from the field.
Wikipedia says that code ball was a game with similar rules that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
“Regardless of when footgolf was invented, its popularity emerged at a time when golf was losing its battle to attract new players from the younger generation,” according to footgolffrenzy.com. “Some have credited it with saving many struggling golf courses from shutting down permanently. It is felt that the game with its simplicity and fun factor has attracted more people to try the sport and therefore helped generate additional income for golf courses.”
Footgolf in Ohio
The American Footgolf Federation has chapters in each state, including Ohio, and currently 180 people follow the Ohio chapter on Facebook. On the page, there are advertisements for competitions all around the country, as well as information about local events. One is the Ohio Games, which take place on June 25 at the Woodland Golf Course in Cincinnati.
Knox County has one established course that was set up eight years ago. Table Rock golf course in Centerburg has been an 18-hole footgolf course since 2014.
The Golf Center in Dublin is 49 miles away and also offers footgolf. According to sportsohio.org, people can play nine holes for $14 and $6 per person for a second round of holes. Tennis shoes or indoor soccer shoes are required and cleats are not allowed. You can use your own soccer ball or borrow one from the center. However, all you need to create your own footgolf competition is two players, a No. 5 soccer ball, a 52-centimeter cup and a course that you can set up in a park or greenbelt.
Tee off ... it's a kick.
