Although it was just founded in 2011, the American FootGolf League (AFGL) thus far has 91 accredited FootGolf Courses in America, and the number is growing. By the end of April, there will be more than 100 courses in the nation. The AFGL organizes tournaments throughout the country, working with golf courses to bring FootGolf to their clubs as another avenue for revenue and to develop the game further.
What is FootGolf and the AFGL?
FootGolf is a combination of the popular sports soccer and golf. The game is played with a regulation #5 soccer ball at a golf course facility on shortened holes with 21-inch diameter cups. FootGolf is played throughout the world in many different forms, but as a sport, it 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.
What are the Rules?
The rules are very similar to the rules of golf and, for the most part, FootGolf is played without a referee. The game builds character and good sportsmanship, since it depends on the player’s integrity to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules.
Some basic rules are:
- Players must wear golf attire
- Your ball must be easily identified
- The ball must be played in a single movement
- The ball must come to a rest before it is played again
- Play the ball as it lies
Where Can I Play?
AFGL FootGolf courses can only be found on pre-existing golf courses and are currently located in Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, Georgia, California, Washington, Louisiana, Florida, New Hampshire, Virginia, Tennessee, Nevada, Wisconsin, Vermont, Iowa, Texas, New Jersey, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, Oregon, Kansas, Arizona, Idaho and Pennsylvania. Bring your group to play a round of FootGolf while you visit Las Vegas, Wisconsin Dells and other cities. Upcoming open tournaments will take place in Sussex County, N.J. and Washington D.C.
If you want to organize FootGolf in your area, ask your local golf course to contact the AFGL at 760-969-5085 or courses@footgolf.net to request the information directly.
FootGolf is a sport quickly growing in popularity. Why not join the bandwagon and plan an event at your local course? This sport is fun for all ages and is ideal for anyone seeking something new to try. AFGL Founder Roberto Balestrini said, “When you combine the passion and the energy and the joy of soccer with the precision and the elegance of golf in one game, it’s just amazing.”
