Sometimes it’s nice to shake things up a bit and try something new with your family. We found a new sport that’s tons of fun and easy to learn: FootGolf. What’s FootGolf, you say? Glad you asked!
FootGolf combines golf and soccer for a whole new sport. Imagine playing on a golf course, but instead of using a golf ball and golf clubs, you’re using a soccer ball and your feet. Yes, kicking a soccer ball around a golf course is something you and your family really can do!
Of course, you can only play FootGolf on courses that have been specially designed. These courses have been retro-fitted with large holes that a soccer ball can fit into. And they will be clearly marked. Please don’t try to play on any golf course that doesn’t specifically allow it.
Also – if you’ve been on the hunt for “where to play FootGolf Near Me,” or “FootGolf Courses Near Me,” we’ve got you covered! Scroll down to see our list of places to play in SoCal.
How to Play FootGolf
The objective of the FootGolf is to kick a soccer ball into the holes on the course, using as few kicks as possible, similar to the way you play traditional golf. Players take turns kicking the ball from the tee box towards the hole, trying to get the soccer ball into the hole using the fewest number of kicks.
Each hole has a designated par, which is the number of kicks it should take an average player to get the ball into the hole, just like in golf. And the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
Unlike playing soccer, where players chase each other down the field, FootGolf is played like Golf, where each player takes their turn and the other players wait and watch.
Again, like when you play golf, you have the option of playing a 9-hole game or an 18-hole game, and that always depends on how much time you can spend playing. Your family’s attention span and stamina will factor in. As well as the course availability.
Related: Awesome Places to Play Mini-Golf in SoCal
Rules of FootGolf
The rules for FootGolf are synchronized with regular golf rules. You tee up, mark your spots when lined up with other players’ soccer balls, keep track of scores, follow penalties, and can even drive a golf cart to your next hole, depending on the course you’re playing.
In fact, you can check out the American FootGolf League’s website to find out all the rules for regulation play, if you want to play like the Pros.
One rule to be aware of that most courses insist on is not wearing soccer cleats when you play. They can damage the course. Be sure to check whether flat shoes are required or if they make an exception.
But one of the best things about FootGolf is that it can just be a fun game to play with your family. Maybe the rules don’t matter so much, especially if you’re playing with young kids.
You can play the game of FootGolf as seriously or as relaxed as you’d like, and of course, move at your own pace. You’ll find that a game of FootGolf moves much faster than regular golf. Whether you decide to play competitively or casually, you’ll still need to follow the rules/etiquette of the golf course you’re at – always with the goal of having fun.
Related: Play Disc Golf in SoCal
Where Did FootGolf Come From?
FootGolf was invented in Holland in 2008 and brought to the US in 2011. You can find the origin story and all about FootGolf in the US on the website of the American FootGolf Federation.
5 Places to Play FootGolf in Southern California
Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy
13717 Shoemaker Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 921-7047
Lake Forest Golf and Practice Center
23308 Cherry Avenue, Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-859-1455
Located where the 5 and 405 freeways meet in Lake Forest, California, features a 9-hole executive par 29 course is situated among orange groves just west of the Saddle Back Mountains. This course specifically prohibits the use of soccer cleats.
Lake Lindero Golf Course
5719 Lake Lindero Dr, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
818.706.2277
Located on the border of Agoura Hills and Westlake Village, Lake Lindero Golf Course is a 9-hole adventure that challenges both your strategy and accuracy. Bonus: this course also has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a snack bar.
Rancho Park Par 3 Golf Course
10460 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 838-7561
Charming and beautiful, this 9-hole 3-par short course shares the facilities with the adjacent Rancho Park championship golf course. You’ll be able to play in the shadow of the famous 20th Century Fox Movie Studio across the street.
The Lights at Indio Golf Course
83040 Avenue 42, Indio, CA 92203
760-391-4049
This course offers FootGolf with Sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and desert, and as their name suggests, they’ve got lights so you can play past dark!
Please check the website for each course or call ahead to find out about reserving a tee time, and whether you need to bring your own soccer balls.
Related: Public Golf Courses in Los Angeles County
Playing FootGolf With Kids
FootGolf is a great game for families because you can introduce kids to the sport as young as 4 or 5 years old, depending on their sports ability. Even Disney is getting in on it! Disney World has opened its own footgolf course, so you can play if you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom on vacation.
The most important thing to keep in mind when participating in this activity with young players is to stay relaxed and know that scorekeeping won’t be perfect. The best mindset is to just play for fun.
This sport can be played in teams or as individuals. Because the goal is to have the lowest score at the final count, it can be an accumulated number or a personal, individual comparison against all of the other players. When playing for fun, you don’t even have to keep score if you don’t want to!
FootGolf Gear You May Need
Something nice about the game of FootGolf is that you clearly don’t need as much equipment as you would if you were playing regular golf. Your leg serves as your club and you don’t need a caddy. The main items you need are a Regulation size 5 soccer ball (possibly provided by the course so double check), and a pair of tennis shoes or turf shoes. (Most courses won’t allow you to wear soccer cleats.)
If you’re playing the game with small children, you may want to use a smaller ball that fits them, like a regulation size 4 ball (or even a size 3). Don’t stress if you don’t have all of the right gear as soccer balls and carts can be rented at many courses you go to.
Try Playing FootGolf with your Family Soon!
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