So maybe you’ve gotten out to the course and played your first round of FootGolf and you’re telling your friends about it. They ask questions and seem interested – will you have the answers? If you want a quick rundown of some fun FootGolf facts to share with your friends about this exciting new sport, you’ve come to the right place! Here are just a few fun FootGolf facts we’ve compiled to answer your questions about the game:
- Just as it sounds, FootGolf is a combination of soccer and golf, but the rules and method of play mirror that of golf more than soccer.
- FootGolf was introduced to North America in 2011 by the American FootGolf League (AFGL).
- The first Northern California FootGolf Course was at Haggin Oaks Golf Course.
- FootGolf has at least been around since June 2012, when the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) was founded, and might go back as far as 2008 in Spain.
- The first FootGolf World Cup was played in Budapest, Hungary in 2012.
- According to the AGFL, about 80 percent of FootGolf players are between the ages of 18 and 35.
- About 35 percent of these FootGolfers are female.
- There are more than 160 AFGL-accredited FootGolf courses in the U.S., located in 32 states.
- There are both 9- and 18-hole FootGolf courses and you can book FootGolf tee times online.
- FootGolf models golf’s layout with tee boxes, greens, bunkers, and hazards. Scorecards display par scores for each hole as in golf and the object is to achieve the lowest score by kicking the ball the least amount of times.
- Just as in golf, a smart approach and accurate putting are key to a good FootGolf score.
- The first Orange County FootGolf course opened on Saturday, June 28 at Lake Forest Golf & Practice Center.
- The first official AFGL tournament in Northern California had a full field of 144 players.
- Following the first AFGL tournament, more than 2,000 people played FootGolf in the following 10 weeks.
- The encouraged FootGolf outfit: golf attire with argyle-patterned socks and turf or indoor soccer shoes.
- FootGolf is played with a standard #5 soccer ball.
What other questions do you have about FootGolf? If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, let us know in the comments below! If you’re interested in playing, check out our course list. You can book a tee time online at several of the Southern California FootGolf courses, so grab your friends and get out on the course!