Billed as golf meets soccer, the new sport of FootGolf – already popular across Europe – is rapidly gaining a loyal following in the states as well.

So, what exactly is FootGolf? No, it’s not your golfing buddy kicking his ball out from behind a tree when he thinks no one is looking…

The game is played with a regulation soccer ball at a golf course on shortened holes with 21-inch cups that are set to the sides of the regular golf greens. The rules for FootGolf in large mirror the rules of golf and footgolfers, although not a hard and fast rule, are expected to follow the same dress local dress code for the course.

A game played throughout the world in many different forms, the sport of FootGolf is regulated by the Federation for International FootGolf(FIFG). The American FootGolf League (AFGL) is the exclusive member of the FIFG and governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States.

Working directly with golf courses across the U.S., the AFGL organizes tournaments to bring FootGolf to clubs as another avenue for revenue and to further develop the game. In fact, the American FootGolf League has nearly 300 official courses spread across the country already.

That relationship with the golf courses is a critical component for the AFGL.

“The AFGL does not approve courses outside golf facilities or exclusively dedicated to FootGolf,” says Roberto Balestrini, AFGL founder. “The AFGL supports the golf industry and works with courses that offer both golf and FootGolf.”

The AFGL’s average hole lengths (based on international standards) are Par 3: 119 yards, Par 4: 199 yards, and Par 5: 279 yards. A round of FootGolf typically takes just half the time of a round of golf, usually an hour for nine holes and about two for 18 holes according to Balestrini. Fees for 18 holes of FootGolf on average run about the same price as nine holes of golf.

Although each course can set its own rules, many courses are finding that golfers and footgolfers can share the course at the same time – golfers of all ages.

“FootGolf is amazingly open to all ages and genders,” says Balestrini. “A 4 year-old kid and a 70-year-old person can both kick the ball and walk.”

So, is FootGolf just a passing fad or here to stay? Only time will tell, but Balestrini likes the outlook.

“FootGolf is here to stay,” he says. “New generations are changing everything. Kids and Millennials are way more familiar with a soccer ball than a golf club. Footgolf is a family sport and course operators can generate extra income using the same landscape with an activity that requires no extra maintenance.”

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