Footgolf makes its way to Muncie

Hybrid sports are common, with activities like Frisbee golf being popular on many college campuses. Now, footgolf is being added to the list.

A hybrid between golf and soccer, footgolf requires players to kick a soccer ball into large cups in the ground using basic golf rules, David Jordan, owner of Trailside Golf and Footgolf said. Jordan came into the footgolf business about two months ago, after hearing about the sport from a friend.

“I looked into [footgolf], and it seemed to me like a great thing,” he said. “The sport is family-friendly and relatively inexpensive.”

Courses can be either nine or 18-hole stretches, with a par for each hole. There’s also the potential for birdies, bogies and eagles, Jordan said.

The sport originated around 2006 with the first official tournament was in the Netherlands in 2008. A Federation for International FootGolf now regulates tournaments in many countries, including the United States. The closest tournament to Muncie is currently takes place in Chicago.

Trailside, similar to other golfing locations that offer the sport, has a footgolf course around the same area as the golf course. Many of the holes are placed in challenging spots, including areas near hills or sand traps. Markers show where each hole starts, and players are given maps so they know their path around the course.

Jordan said the proximity to golfers has caused some discord, however. Some golfers have left Trailside for other courses because footgolf is interfering with their game.

“Golf can be a very serious game, and footgolf isn’t,” Jordan said.

Frequent golfer Tony Arthur started coming to Trailside around the time footgolf became a part of the business, and he said the challenge that golf proposes is his favorite part.

“It’s like fishing; can you ever really master it?” Arthur said.

Because golf is more of a hobby for Arthur, he hasn’t had many problems with footgolf being on the same course.

“By the time [footgolfers] come up behind me, I’m usually ready to sit down and rest,” he said. “While not a footgolfer himself, Arthur agrees it’s a family-friendly sport. He plans to bring his grandchildren someday to try it.”

There are currently nine footgolf courses recognized by the AFGL in Indiana. In larger states, like California, there are more than 50, and these numbers make Jordan think footgolf is not going to be “just another fad.”

“Especially if players have their own attire, it’s not just a passing thing,” Jordan said.

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