Footgolf, a unique fusion of football and golf, has been gaining popularity as a burgeoning sport. Played with a soccer ball, footgolf follows the rules of golf but substitutes the use of clubs with kicks. The larger holes accommodate the ball, making it a distinct yet familiar experience for players. Steve Senyard, the captain of the Australian national footgolf team, describes it as an offshoot of golf using a soccer ball. Senyard and his 12-member team have arrived in Orlando, Florida, for the 2023 Footgolf World Cup, ready to compete against formidable opponents from around the world.

Australia has yet to secure a World Cup medal, but the team remains optimistic about their chances in the tournament. Although Australia’s delegation is comparatively smaller, with 1,000 players representing 40 nations expected, they draw inspiration from their victory in the 2019 Asian Cup, where they emerged triumphant against renowned teams like Japan. Steve Senyard believes that despite being considered underdogs, Australia has the potential to finish among the top 10 or even stand on the podium.

Footgolf is witnessing a surge in participation globally and shows promise as a potential addition to future Olympic Games. While the sport remains relatively niche in Australia, it is experiencing substantial growth in countries such as the United States and Europe. Steve Senyard acknowledges the rapid progress of footgolf internationally, with events like a recent tournament in the United Arab Emirates boasting a substantial prize pool of $40,000. The Australian team, although mostly self-funded with some players having sponsors, aims to foster the same level of growth within the country.

For the members of the national team, footgolf became a lifelong passion after a fortuitous encounter. Josh Ackland, one of the team’s standout players, became captivated by the sport after playing it casually at a friend’s bachelor party. Ackland, a football coach and lawyer based in Sydney, emphasizes the mental aspect of footgolf as a key factor in his engagement with the sport. Combining his skills from years of playing football with the strategic elements of golf has been a fascinating and rewarding experience for him.

Similarly, Steve Senyard discovered footgolf while visiting friends in the UK, who happened to live near a footgolf course. Upon his return to Australia, Senyard found a tournament in Sydney through an internet search and has been playing ever since. The enjoyable nature of the game, coupled with its accessibility, has made footgolf a hit among those who have tried it. Senyard notes that every person he knows who has given footgolf a try has been compelled to return for more.

Footgolf offers a transition for footballers as they age, providing an opportunity to continue playing and enjoying the sport. As physical capabilities change over time, footgolf allows athletes to adapt their playing style to compensate for fitness levels, injuries, and other factors. The sport’s lower impact on the body and the flexibility it offers in terms of training make it an appealing choice. All that is needed is a ball and a park to continue playing footgolf for years to come.

However, the availability of golf courses remains a limiting factor, particularly for competitions. In the last decade, numerous courses in Australia have incorporated footgolf-specific holes, often located off-fairway or covered to minimize disruption to traditional golfers. However, the surge of interest in golf during the pandemic has made it more challenging for footgolfers to secure playing time. Steve Senyard remains hopeful that the growth in golf will stabilize, allowing footgolf to experience a resurgence.

Golfers, in general, have shown a positive reception to footgolf, often inquisitive about the sport when they encounter players on the course. While some golf traditionalists express resistance, claiming ownership over the golf course, the overall reaction has been favorable. The Australian footgolf team aims to generate interest in the sport back home through their participation in the World.

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Photo Courtesy The Guardian

Courtesy The Guardian