Footgolf has taken the world by storm. Or at least the social media. In the modern age, which always cries out for unconventional stuff, Footgolf might really be the truth. From professional players to international bodies to even influencers, everyone seems to be involved in this game in recent times.
So, today we dive into the dynamics of this newly found version of footie. Let’s begin!
What is FootGolf?
Footgolf is a precision sport that combines elements of soccer and golf, where players kick a standard soccer ball into oversized cups on a golf course, aiming to complete each hole in the fewest possible shots. The sport merges the strategic gameplay of golf with the athletic skills of soccer, offering a unique and engaging experience.
Origins & Development
The modern version of footgolf was officially introduced in the Netherlands in 2008 by Bas Korsten and Michael Jansen. They drew inspiration from a post-training game played by professional soccer players, including Korsten’s brother, Willem Korsten, during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur from 1999 to 2001.
In this game, players would kick soccer balls from the training pitch back to the locker rooms in as few kicks as possible. Recognizing its potential, Korsten and Jansen organized the first official footgolf tournament on September 6, 2009, at Golfbaan Het Rijk van Nijmegen, featuring Dutch professional and former professional footballers. This event marked the formal launch of footgolf as a sport.
Gameplay and Rules
Footgolf is played similarly to golf but with a soccer ball and larger holes, typically measuring 50-52 cm in diameter and 28 cm deep. Players begin each hole from a tee box, aiming to kick the ball into the designated cup in the fewest number of kicks. Courses are designed with various challenges, including bunkers, trees, water hazards, and hills, requiring players to navigate and strategize effectively. The sport emphasizes precision, control, and strategic planning.
Equipment and Attire
The primary equipment in footgolf is a regulation size 5 soccer ball, with a circumference between 68 and 70 cm and a weight between 400 and 450 grams. Players are typically required to wear turf shoes or indoor soccer shoes to prevent damage to the golf course; traditional soccer cleats are usually prohibited. The dress code often mirrors traditional golf attire, including collared shirts and knee-high argyle socks, reflecting the sport’s blend of soccer’s dynamism and golf’s decorum.
Governing Bodies and Competitions
The Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG), established in 2012, serves as the sport’s global governing body, overseeing international rules and organizing major competitions, including the FootGolf World Cup. The inaugural World Cup took place in Hungary in 2012, with subsequent tournaments in Argentina (2016) and Morocco (2018). These events have significantly contributed to the sport’s growth and global recognition.
Growth and Popularity
Since its inception, footgolf has experienced rapid growth worldwide. Its appeal lies in its accessibility, requiring minimal equipment and offering a less physically demanding alternative to traditional soccer, making it suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Additionally, footgolf provides golf courses with an opportunity to attract new participants and generate additional revenue, especially during times when traditional golf participation may be declining.
Parralels to the ESPN8: The Ocho
Fans are drawing parallels between footgolf and “ESPN8: The Ocho” due to the sport’s unique blend of soccer and golf, which aligns with the unconventional and lesser-known sports showcased on “The Ocho.” Originating from the 2004 film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, “ESPN8: The Ocho” was a fictional channel featuring obscure sports.
ESPN embraced this concept in 2017, dedicating special programming blocks to air a variety of unconventional sports under the “ESPN8: The Ocho” banner. Footgolf, with its distinctive combination of two popular sports, fits seamlessly into this lineup, offering viewers an entertaining and novel sporting experience. The sport’s inclusion in “The Ocho” programming has further solidified its association with the channel’s eclectic mix of athletic events.
Influence amongst Youtubers
Footgolf’s unique blend of soccer and golf has captured the attention of popular YouTube groups, significantly boosting the sport’s visibility among younger audiences. Notably, the Sidemen, a British YouTube collective, have produced several footgolf videos, infusing the game with their signature humor and competitive spirit. In their “SIDEMEN IMPOSSIBLE $100,000 FOOTGOLF CHALLENGE,” the group navigates a footgolf course with entertaining challenges and forfeits, showcasing the sport’s fun and accessibility
Similarly, other YouTubers have embraced footgolf, further amplifying its popularity. For instance, content creators like Chris MD, Reev and Danny Aarons have shared their footgolf experiences, highlighting the sport’s appeal and engaging their audiences with unique twists on traditional gameplay.
These collaborations between footgolf and prominent YouTubers have introduced the sport to a broader audience, demonstrating its versatility and entertainment value. As more creators participate and share their experiences, footgolf continues to grow in popularity, appealing to both sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Best Footgolf players in the game
Footgolf has seen the rise of several outstanding players who have significantly impacted the sport on both national and international stages. Here are some of the top footgolfers:
1. Ben Clarke (United Kingdom) Ben Clarke is widely regarded as one of the premier footgolfers globally. He has consistently topped the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) World Rankings, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Clarke’s achievements include multiple tournament victories and a reputation for excellence in international competitions.
2. Matías Perrone (Argentina) Matías Perrone has made significant contributions to footgolf, notably winning the 2018 FootGolf World Cup held in Marrakesh, Morocco. His victory solidified Argentina’s prominence in the sport and highlighted his personal dedication and skill.
3. Christian Otero (Argentina) Christian Otero emerged victorious in the 2016 FootGolf World Cup in Argentina, further establishing the country’s dominance in the sport. His performance in the tournament demonstrated exceptional precision and strategic prowess.
4. Bence Bacskai (Hungary) Bence Bacskai claimed the title at the 2023 FootGolf World Cup in Orlando, USA. His win underscored Hungary’s growing influence in the footgolf community and showcased his exceptional talent.
5. Jan Aksel Odden (Norway) In the senior category, Jan Aksel Odden has distinguished himself by securing top positions in various international tournaments, including a notable performance at the 2023 FootGolf World Cup.
Is Footgolf Fun or Not? The Fans Weigh In
As footgolf gains traction worldwide, its entertainment value has sparked debates across social media. A recent viral video featuring a footgolf player attempting a precise shot—while all players donned uniforms sponsored by Nectel, a supporter of Footgolf Slovakia—drew a wave of reactions. Footgolf Slovakia operates under the Federation of International Footgolf, helping to grow the sport in its region. However, fans remain divided on whether footgolf is a fascinating new pastime or an absurd spectacle.
One fan was surprised by the formal attire, remarking,
“I did not expect these full uniforms for footgolf.”
This comment highlights how footgolf has adopted traditional golf elements, including professional-style uniforms, which can seem unusual given the sport’s soccer-based mechanics.
Another fan expressed curiosity with,
“Two questions. How is this a sport? And how do I bet on it?”
This reaction reflects the growing intrigue around footgolf, with some treating it as an amusing novelty, while others—perhaps seeing its competitive potential—are already thinking about gambling opportunities.
For those who find golf too slow-paced, footgolf appears to offer a refreshing alternative. One supporter stated,
“Way more entertaining than golf. Golf can be pretty mundane.”
This comment underscores how footgolf retains the strategic elements of golf but injects more action and accessibility.
References to“ESPN 8: The Ocho” also surfaced, with fans saying,
“This and more on ESPN 8, the Ocho” and “This is some Ocho stuff, can’t believe this is real and not a joke.”
These references liken footgolf to the kind of quirky, obscure sports the fictional network showcases in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, suggesting that many still see it as more of a novelty than a serious competition.
Some reactions took an unexpected creative turn, such as one fan joking,
“Would the prosthetic limbs be like changing your clubs in golf? You could have a putter foot, driver foot, etc.”
This humorous analogy compares the different tools in traditional golf to potential custom prosthetic feet for enhanced accuracy—though obviously not a real aspect of the sport, it shows how footgolf is inspiring imaginative takes.
Not everyone was amused. A harsh critic dismissed the entire concept, stating,
“Beyond reta***d, all of it. The sport, the uniforms, the people in attendance, and everyone who decided they should be on television. And you for making me aware that this was even a thing.”
To which another fan fired back,
“That seems like a bit of an overreaction. Someone’s mad they suck at footgolf.”
This exchange demonstrates how some are quick to ridicule new sports, while others defend footgolf as an innovative and enjoyable activity.
Some fans pointed out that skepticism toward footgolf might be unfair, with one saying, “People would say this about popular sports if they were new today.”
This suggests that even mainstream sports faced initial doubt before gaining widespread acceptance.
A surprising revelation came from a fan who admitted,
“Why do I like watching this more than golf and soccer separately?”
This hints at the hybrid nature of footgolf being more engaging for certain audiences than its parent sports alone.
Others found a practical appeal in footgolf, with one fan noting,
“This seems more cost-effective than actual golf.”
Given that golf often requires expensive equipment, memberships, and course fees, footgolf’s simpler requirements make it a more accessible alternative.
However, skepticism persists, with one critic unimpressed by its growing following, stating,
“I can’t believe crowds gather for this sport.”
This reaction reflects ongoing doubts about whether footgolf has the staying power to attract long-term fan engagement.
Final Verdict: A Divisive But Growing Sport
Footgolf has sparked a mix of enthusiasm, confusion, and criticism. While some see it as an entertaining and accessible alternative to traditional golf, others struggle to take it seriously. However, as history has shown with many now-mainstream sports, skepticism is often part of the early stages of acceptance. Whether footgolf remains a niche attraction or grows into a major competitive sport, one thing is clear—it has people talking.
