insideKENT Magazine Issue 36 - March 2015 | Page 137

SPORTS

footgolf explained
If you've heard of the concept, but not yet played, this is your chance to learn all you
need to know about the global sport that is footgolf – and sign up for a round too.
What is footgolf?
Footgolf is a precision sport in which players
kick a regulation-sized football into an oversized
golf cup. It's the perfect blend of football and
golf. So, yes, precisely what you thought it was.
According to most authorities, the sport of footgolf
was conceived in the Netherlands at the end of
the last decade. The sport's global governing
body, the Federation for International FootGolf
(FIFG), was established in June 2012. The first
footgolf World Cup took place shortly after the
founding of the FIFG.
What are the rules of footgolf?
In many respects, if you know the rules of golf,
you already know the rules of footgolf. For
instance, the footgolfer who completes the
footgolf course in the fewest number of strokes
(kicks) is declared the winner.
As in golf, the number of strokes a competent
footgolfer should take to complete a hole is
deemed the 'par'. Seasoned footgolfers should
therefore be aiming for as many 'birdies', 'eagles',
and 'albatrosses' as possible.
What should I wear for a round of footgolf?

and blades, however, aren't considered 'fair
game'.

Cobtree Manor Park, Folkestone Footgolf, High
Elms Footgolf, Orpington Footgolf, The Strand
Footgolf and Tonbridge Footgolf.

Where can I play footgolf?
There are seven certified footgolf courses in Kent
at the moment. They are:
• Birchwood Park Footgolf (Wilmington)
• Cobtree Manor Park Footgolf (Maidstone)
• Folkestone Footgolf
• High Elms Footgolf (Downe)
• Orpington Footgolf
• The Strand Footgolf (Gillingham)
• Tonbridge Footgolf

In fact, the competition season in Kent (and
around the UK) kicks off in early March. Check
your local listings for competition dates!
Have any famous footballers (past or present)
had a crack at footgolf?
Several world-class footballers have tried their
hand at footgolf. This list includes, but is not
limited to, Gonzalo Higuaín, Roy Makaay, Mesut
Özil, Jean-Pierre Papin, and Juan Sebastián
Veron.

How much does it cost to play footgolf?
If you own a pair of trainers or astros, you're
ready to play footgolf! There's no need to bring
your own ball – all footgolf courses will supply
you with a size 5 football upon arrival at the
venue.
In terms of footgolf green fees, the price varies
across the courses. As a guideline, though, you
should expect to pay on average £10 for a