Footgolf craze hits Perth

By Cameron Gair A strange new sport sweeping the globe is about to kick-off in Perth. Footgolf is a new sport that combines elements of both golf and soccer. Players kick a size 5 soccer ball around a golf course into a 50-centimetre wide cup. Scoring works just like golf in that each player must kick a soccer ball into a hole in as few shots as possible. Invented by Dutch entrepreneur Michael Jansen in 2009, Footgolf has become one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Wembley Golf Course has the first 18 hole Footgolf course in Australia to be accredited by the Federation for International Footgolf. An official launch for Footgolf in WA will be held at Wembley Golf Course on Saturday the 22^nd of November. “The launch will have Perth Glory players, Footgolf competitions, prizes, BBQ and a band,” said Alex Kennedy, spokesperson for Wembley Golf course. Footgolf can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. “You don’t need to have golf or soccer skills, there’s no need to run between kicks, so people of any age can play. At the moment were getting a variety of different players.” “Adults are coming back and saying they loved it, kids are loving it for birthday parties and playing with their friends as well as soccer clubs and families,” said Alex. Ashley Hamilton said he had a great time playing Footgolf for the first time. “I really enjoyed myself, I was a bit worried that not being a soccer player would be a disadvantage but it all worked out in the end…I’d recommend it for everyone.” Wembley Golf Course says Footgolf has very little impact on regular golfers. “Eighteen holes of Footgolf covers nine holes of the course and Footgolf is only played from 4:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Usually the golfers will have past the first nine holes by then, we also have two golf courses here at Wembley,” said Alex.