A new and alternative sport for those who are a bit sick of traditional sports. Footgolf combines, unsurprisingly, football and golf. You use the least number of kicks to try and get a soccer ball into designated holes. In other words, its golf without the expenses of buying all the clubs. Its also football without the trouble of needing so many players and the risk of bruising tackles. Definitely friendly/competitive sport to try with your friends on a beautiful golf course.
Verdict: Awesome new sport to try out with your football friends.
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You play on the golf course just like golf, except that the footgolf holes next to the golf holes are larger. The game itself is quick easy to pick up, but difficult to master. Most footgolf courses are par 3 courses – between 150 to 200 yards. The longer courses are par 5 courses that can stretch to around 300 yards.
While a big kick is helpful for tee-off, it’s not the be-all-end-all. I’m a second string right back for my football team, with hopeless crossing skills, but I’ve managed to win games awith my short game (even where my shitty tee-off had costed me a good start). As you play, you’ll start channeling your inner Connor McGregor – ‘precision beats power’. At times, a weaker kick could land your football on the same spot if you read the terrain correctly. For beginners, non-football players or crappy football players, this game can be a little frustrating in holes which of a greater distance.
As with golf, different courses are challenging in different ways. There are plenty of variations as you go along, including bunkers, trees, cliffs, ponds, thicker grass, thinner grass. Just try not to kick the football into the pond like me.
There are footgolf courses around the world. I’ve played in Las Vegas, around the bay area in San Francisco and in Marseilles. I have to say, the best one I’ve played at so far is the Siena Golf Club in Las Vegas. Without overselling it, its got elegantly designed courses with beautiful houses, mountains and trees surrounding the area.
One extra tip – make sure the course allows you to drive a buggy for footgolf. Otherwise, it will be a heavy workout. I once had to run down a hill to retrieve a ball and climb back up because I “accidentally” kicked it down the cliff.
Additional information
| When to do it? | Summertime would be best. Check your footgolf course for opening hours. For the Siena Golf Club:
· Sunday – Thursday – 3 hours prior to dark year round · Friday – Saturday – based on availability |
| How to book? | Call a couple of days in advance. |
| How much does it cost? | Adult 9 Holes with Cart – USD25
Rental Ball – USD5 |
| How to get there?
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Drive or Uber there. Siena Golf Club is located at the outskirts of Las Vegas. |
| How long does it take? | Depends on the course. A standard round at the Siena Golf Club takes around 2 hours. |
| Is it safe? | N/A |
| What to wear? | Recommended to wear your golf attire, but you can get away with a t shirt or football jersey as well. |