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What Is Soccer Golf? The Beginner’s Guide to FootGolf
Imagine your favorite golf course, but instead of clubs and a tiny ball, you have a soccer ball and your feet. That’s the simple idea behind FootGolf. If you’ve ever wondered what is soccer golf or searched for a new, fun, and accessible outdoor activity for friends and family, you’ve landed in the right place.
FootGolf, also known as soccer golf, is a hybrid sport where players kick a regulation soccer ball into an oversized 21-inch cup on a golf course, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest kicks possible.
Leveraging extensive analysis of course rules and gameplay patterns, this guide unpacks everything you need to know to get started. We’ll cover the basic rules, the simple equipment you’ll need, and exactly how to find a course near you. Get ready to discover your new favorite sport.
Key Facts
- A True Hybrid Sport: FootGolf seamlessly combines the precision, scoring, and etiquette of golf with the athletic kicking motion of soccer, creating a unique and dynamic game.
- Significantly Faster Than Golf: A full 18-hole round of soccer golf takes only about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, which is much faster than the typical 4.5 to 5 hours for a traditional round of golf.
- Accessible and Affordable: The only essential equipment is a standard #5 soccer ball and athletic shoes, removing the high cost of clubs and other gear associated with traditional golf.
- Played on Modified Courses: The game is played on golf course facilities, but on holes that are shorter than traditional golf holes and feature large, 21-inch diameter cups to accommodate a soccer ball.
- Officially Recognized and Growing: The sport is governed by official bodies like the American FootGolf League (AFGL), which sanctions events and maintains a directory of certified courses across the country.
Contents
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What Exactly Is Soccer Golf? A Hybrid Sport Explained
FootGolf, also known as soccer golf, is a hybrid sport where players kick a regulation soccer ball into an oversized 21-inch cup on a golf course, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest kicks possible. It’s a game of precision and power that has exploded in popularity because it’s incredibly easy to learn but offers plenty of room for skill and strategy. The name itself, “FootGolf,” is a portmanteau, a blend of the words “football” (as soccer is known globally) and “golf.”
At its core, the game takes the best of two beloved sports:
* Combines the precision of golf
* With the kicking action of soccer
This simple combination makes for an activity that appeals to a huge range of people, from serious athletes to families looking for a fun weekend outing. Multiple sources confirm this core definition, establishing it as the fundamental concept of this exciting and growing sport.
How to Play FootGolf: The Basic Rules and Gameplay
To play FootGolf, you start at a tee box and kick your soccer ball towards the hole. You play each subsequent kick from where the ball lands, counting each kick as a ‘stroke’. The player who gets the ball in the 21-inch cup in the fewest kicks wins the hole. The rules are simple and largely mirror traditional golf, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. The American FootGolf League (AFGL) sets the official rules used in most competitions, but the basics are universal.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how a typical game flows:
- Start at the Tee Box: Each hole has a designated starting area, just like in golf. Your group decides who kicks first.
- Kick Towards the Hole: Your goal is to get your regulation #5 soccer ball down the fairway and towards the 21-inch cup.
- Play It Where It Lies: Your next kick is taken from the spot where your ball came to a complete stop. You continue this process until the ball is in the cup.
- Count Your Kicks: Every kick you take counts as one stroke. Keep track of your score for each hole.
- Lowest Score Wins: The player who completes the hole with the fewest kicks wins that hole. The player with the lowest total score for the entire 9 or 18-hole round is the overall winner.
Pro Tip: Just like in golf, the ‘honor’ of kicking first on the next hole goes to the player with the best score on the previous one!
Scoring and Pars
Scoring in FootGolf mirrors traditional golf; each kick is a stroke, and the goal is to finish each hole with the lowest score relative to ‘par’. Every hole on a FootGolf course has a “par,” which is the target number of kicks an expert player would need to get the ball in the cup. Your performance is measured against this par. Think you can score a ‘birdie’ on your first try?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the most common scoring terms, which are standard in AFGL-sanctioned events:
| Term | Meaning in FootGolf |
|---|---|
| Par | The target number of kicks for a hole |
| Birdie | One kick under par |
| Bogey | One kick over par |
| Eagle | Two kicks under par |
| Double Bogey | Two kicks over par |
Game Etiquette on the Course
Key FootGolf etiquette includes respecting traditional golfers, staying off the golf greens, and maintaining a pace of play similar to a regular golf group. Since what is soccer golf is often played on active golf courses, good manners are essential for ensuring everyone has a great time. Following these simple rules will make for a smooth first experience and show respect for the facility.
- Always let traditional golfers play through. They move at a different pace and have the right of way.
- Avoid walking on the sensitive putting greens. These are for traditional golf only. FootGolf cups are located on the fairways or in the rough.
- Repair any marks you make on the fairway. If your kick takes a divot, do your best to pat it down.
- Keep up the pace. Don’t spend too much time looking for lost balls and be ready to take your kick when it’s your turn.
- Follow the course’s dress code. While most are casual, some may have specific requirements.
What You Need: The Simple Equipment for Soccer Golf
The only essential equipment for FootGolf is a regulation #5 soccer ball and comfortable athletic shoes (no cleats). Players use their feet instead of clubs. One of the best things about soccer golf is its incredible accessibility. You don’t need to invest in an expensive set of equipment to start playing.
Quick Fact: That’s it! No expensive set of clubs to buy. If you have a soccer ball, you’re basically ready to play.
Here’s all you need to bring to the course:
- A Regulation #5 Soccer Ball: This is the standard, official-size ball used for the sport worldwide. Most players bring their own, but some courses may offer rentals.
- Comfortable, Casual Clothing: No need for special golf attire. Think athletic shorts/pants and a polo or t-shirt. Just be sure to check if the course has a specific dress code.
- Athletic Shoes: Turf soccer shoes or sneakers work best. No soccer cleats allowed! This is a critical rule, as cleats will damage the delicate turf of the golf course fairway.
Where to Play: Finding a Soccer Golf Course Near You
You can find a FootGolf course near you by using the official course directory from the American FootGolf League (AFGL) or by searching online for “footgolf near me”. Many traditional golf courses now offer dedicated FootGolf layouts. With the sport’s rising popularity, courses are popping up all over the country, from Orlando, Florida to New Jersey.
To provide the best user experience, an interactive map tool is the ideal way to locate the nearest facility. While we can’t embed one here, the next best thing is to use the official resources maintained by the sport’s governing bodies. These organizations provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on certified courses. You can check the official course directories from The American FootGolf League (AFGL) or the FIFG World Course Map.
Use the map above or the links below to find the closest course and book your first round today!
To ensure you have the best gear for your first game, finding the right soccer ball is key. A quality ball can improve your accuracy and distance, making your introduction to soccer golf even more enjoyable.
FAQs About Soccer Golf
This section answers some of the most common questions people have when they first learn about what is soccer golf.
What is soccer golf officially called?
The official name for the sport that combines soccer and golf is FootGolf. “Soccer golf” is a common, descriptive term for the same activity. While you’ll hear both terms used, “FootGolf” is the name recognized by official organizations like the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) and the American FootGolf League (AFGL). It’s the term you’ll see used for official tournaments and courses.
How long does a round of soccer golf take?
A full 18-hole round of FootGolf typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, significantly less than the 4.5 to 5 hours for traditional golf. This shorter time commitment is one of the sport’s biggest advantages. It makes it much easier to fit a full round into a busy schedule and is perfect for a quick, fun activity with friends or family.
How long are the holes in FootGolf?
FootGolf holes are shorter than traditional golf holes. While lengths vary, one example course has holes that average 157 yards. The layout is designed specifically for kicking a soccer ball, so you won’t be dealing with the same vast distances as in golf. This makes the game feel more manageable and fast-paced, especially for beginners.
Is FootGolf a good activity for families and kids?
Yes, FootGolf is an excellent activity for families and kids. Its simple rules, low equipment cost, and combination of two popular sports make it fun and accessible for all ages and skill levels. It’s the perfect answer for when your soccer players say, “Mom, I’m bored.” The game doesn’t require intense physical fitness or years of practice, so everyone can participate and have a great time together outdoors.
Final Summary: Get Ready to Play Soccer Golf
So, what is soccer golf? It’s a brilliantly simple, incredibly fun hybrid sport that’s taking the world by storm. By blending the strategy of golf with the simple joy of kicking a soccer ball, FootGolf offers a unique and engaging experience for everyone. It’s faster, more accessible, and more affordable than its traditional counterpart, making it the perfect new hobby.
This guide has given you everything you need to get started. You know the rules, the equipment, and how to act on the course.
- It’s a fun hybrid: Blends the best of soccer and golf.
- It’s easy to start: You only need a soccer ball and sneakers.
- It’s for everyone: A perfect, quick activity for friends, families, and solo players.
Now that you know what FootGolf is, the only thing left to do is try it. Find a course near you and kick off your new favorite hobby this weekend
Last update on 2025-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
