Golf, a combination of football and golf as the name suggests, is rapidly expanding across the globe and now Australian clubs are now joining in on the fun.
The game, in which a football is kicked from the teeing ground, across fairway and into a hole, has origins dating back five years in Europe. The sport has seen a dramatic rise in participation in the United States in recent years and the first Footgolf World Cup was held in Hungary in 2012. Globally, the sport is regulated by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG). In Australia, FootGolf Australia Inc. a non-for-profit organisation and exclusive member of FIFG is in charge of the promotion and development of the sport across the country.
Australians showed their clear interest for the concept through engagement with a recent Facebook post on the Golf Australia page. The post broke reach records for the Golf Australia channel.
Currently two Australian facilities offer the game, the Wembley Golf Course in Western Australia and the Colonial Golf Course in New South Wales. A third course in Victoria will be added next week with Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links modifying its facility for FootGolf play.
Golf Australia's head of game development Cameron Wade said that Golf Australia was committed to innovation that would attract new people to golf and ensure the long-term viability of Australian golf clubs.
'It is great to see Australian golf clubs trying new things to get people to their beautiful courses,’ Wade said.
‘In this competitive recreational environment, we are encouraging clubs to think outside the square.
‘Not only can activities like FootGolf become a solid revenue stream for clubs, but to have players mixing socially with traditional golfers after a game showcases perfectly just how enjoyable golf club life is.’
For more information on FootGolf, reach at info@footgolf.org.au.