Footgolf in Thailand: It’s the greatest sport you’ve never played

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Footgolf in Thailand: It’s the greatest sport you’ve never played

 

 

A combination of two of the world’s most loved sports, footgolf has been growing in popularity around the world in recent years. 

 

But you could be forgiven for probably having never heard of it, let alone ever playing it before.

 

It has become particularly popular in the United States and Europe, which is home to professional players and has associations officially governing the sport. 

 

There is even a footgolf World Cup, which had been due to take place in Japan later this year, only to have succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Aside from the players, the sport has become increasingly popular with golf course operators, who use footgolf to help bring in some much needed additional revenue to their ailing courses. 

 

For the courses, investment is minimal yet it enables them to bring a new audience to the fairways. 

 

And with the impact of COVID-19 transcending almost all industries, if a course near you isn’t currently offering footgolf, don’t be surprised if it does at some point in the near future.

 

 

Comparisons have been made to what snowboarding was to the ski industry, footgolf is to the game of golf. Indeed  perhaps a better comparison is what paddle ball is to tennis.

 

While its exact origins are not clear, the game is believed to have first been played in Holland around 2008 and is said to have been the brainchild of Dutchman Marcel Jansen and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Willem Korsten.

 

Footgolf follows many of the same rules as traditional golf with a couple of significant differences, namely golf balls and clubs being replaced with a size 5 football and player’s foot!

 

But other than that similar rules apply.

 

The game is typically played over 9 or 18 holes and a single kick equates to a stroke of the  golf club. Each hole and course, just like in traditional golf, has a par.

 

The player who completes a hole, and consequently, the course in the least amount of shots is declared the winner. 

Suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels

 

 

The great thing about footgolf is that it is accessible to almost everyone, unlike traditional golf, which is notoriously difficult for beginners to start playing. 

 

You don’t need any special equipment and while astro-turf football boots are recommended, any type of trainers/sneakers/sports shoes will do - basically any footwear you can kick a football in.

 

It’s a much more relaxed atmosphere when playing too, with the snootiness and snobbishness that can sometimes be found in the clubhouse, thankfully left in the clubhouse.

 

If you are a parent of football crazy kids then playing footgolf would be a great way of getting  them away from the tablet or smartphone and improving football skills at the same time.

 

Likewise, if you perhaps played football in your younger years but had to give it up after age caught up with you, footgolf could be the enjoyable low impact game you have been looking for - enabling you to get you fix of football without fear of getting injured.

 

And for regular footballers, footgolf is really going to test your accuracy and long and short passing skills. 

 

Footgolf in Hua Hin

 

 

Springfield Golf Club near Hua Hin recently opened up one of its courses to footgolf.

 

Each Saturday between 1pm and 5pm, wannabe players can pay just 150 baht for a game of footgolf.

 

Footballs and score cards are provided, golf carts can be hired at extra cost if required (although not necessary) and you can even take a couple of beers around the course with you for refreshments. And there is no requirement for a caddie as is often the case when playing traditional golf in Thailand.

 

It's very much an affordable way of getting outdoors, getting some exercise and having fun. 

 

Since Springfield started hosting footgolf, an increasing number of expats from Hua Hin have been playing every Saturday. 

 

Games are organised from the popular Father Ted’s Irish pub, with anyone interested in playing advised to follow the Father Ted's Footgolf Society group on Facebook.

 

Tentative plans are already being put in place for an expat footgolf tournament later this year.

 

“It’s a great way to get out in the fresh air and is good exercise, said Steve Johnston, radio  DJ on Hua Hin’s Surf FM.  

 

“I’m not really a fan of normal golf, but footgolf is a lot of fun.

 

“For anyone who lives near Hua Hin, I’d urge them to give it a go. 

 

“You’ll definitely want to play it again,” Steve said. 

 

 

 

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-02-12

 

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[mrfill]

Its the greatest sport I never want to play...

[vogie]

I have played golf with other members who use both golf clubs and their feet to play the game, generally when they hit their ball behind a tree or any other immovable object they will use their feet to kick it out when they think that no-ones looking, I call it Hybrid Golf. 

[Stevemercer]

What about SnookGolf? Use a snooker cue and ball instead of a golf-club and golf ball.

 

[timendres]

Looks like it could be fun.

[DJ54]

Good idea hope it catches on... 

[SiSePuede419]

Sorry I only play real golf.

 

Disc golf.

 

It's an American thing.  You wouldn't understand ????

 

 

[elgenon]

It would seem that (football)soccer players have a big advantage. They bend it like Beckham, put backspin etc.

Pickleball may be easier to be competitive in. Surging in popularity.

[itsari]

On 2/13/2021 at 9:24 AM, vogie said:

I have played golf with other members who use both golf clubs and their feet to play the game, generally when they hit their ball behind a tree or any other immovable object they will use their feet to kick it out when they think that no-ones looking, I call it Hybrid Golf. 

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