FootGolf is a combination of two popular American sports: soccer and golf. The USA Masters Games is honored and excited to host the FootGolf event at The Kicks at Bowen Lake on June 26th. The Kicks at Bowen Lake includes a 9-hole course in which participants will play the course twice to reach an 18-hole score. The Kicks also has a beautiful and newly created tavern for all participants to enjoy. FootGolf is closely aligned with the rules of golf; participants aim to kick the soccer ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. The sport of FootGolf is more than just kicking a ball, it is about the welcoming and the inclusive community that is created.
Photo Courtesy of American FootGolf League
The American FootGolf League (AFGL) looks forward to being a part of the USA Masters Games this coming summer. Laura Balestrini, C.E.O. of American FootGolf League, stated that they enjoy “the format and festival atmosphere of the [USA Masters] Games; it is something unique and we know it will meet both the competitive and social side of the competition.” In 2011, FootGolf was introduced to North America and the American FootGolf League (AFGL) was the Major League for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. The AFGL is one of the “Four Pillars” of FootGolf in the United States. The remaining three pillars are comprised of the American FootGolf Federation, Discover FootGolf, and the FootGolf Store. These four organizations are the impetus to driving the vision of FootGolf to being “the best game ever invented” a massive sport in America.
Photo Courtesy of Jordan Godfrey
Jordan Godfrey, 2020 National Champion in the Men’s Category for the American FootGolf League said, “the draw to [FootGolf] is the inclusivity and simplicity.” Jordan Godfrey, the 28-year-old, found his love for FootGolf just six short years ago. He is from La Verne, California and started playing FootGolf back in 2014 after one morning of playing traditional golf at Lake Forest Golf and Practice Center in Orange County. Jordan started out by attending every tournament, charity event or fundraiser within his travel time because he saw these events as an opportunity to compete. He said, “it combines two of my favorite sports” and has allowed him to step out of his comfort zone. As he found his love for the game of FootGolf, it began to have the biggest impact on him personally.
Photo Courtesy of Jordan Godfrey
In fact, his success did not happen overnight. It took hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and even competing abroad. Jordan spent hours and hours practicing and competing to be named the 2020 National Champion in the Men’s Division, the Club National Champion, and to earn his number one ranking. Prior to his 2020 accomplishments, Jordan competed on the West Coast FootGolf Club as well as part of the United States FootGolf team. He was a part of a great success on these two teams, as well Jordan was named the first FootGolf National Champion of the United States in 2015. The West Coast FootGolf Club won their first ever FootGolf Club and five titles since, and the United States FootGolf team won their first FootGolf World Cup with the Country Category in 2016 in Argentina. Jordan stated, “I am very confident that I have competed in the most events of any other [FootGolf] player in the United States.”
Ultimately, the endless competitions have led him to have a successful career. Jordan recommends that anyone who is interested in FootGolf to visit www.footgolf.us and use the course search to find courses near you. “Give the sport a try, take your friends and family and play a few courses in your area” replied Jordan. Just like golf, no course is the same, they all have their own unique characteristics and challenges.
Photo Courtesy of American FootGolf League
COVID-19 has also presented several challenges to compete. However, the American FootGolf League has been fortunate to be able to continue their competitions. Laura stated “we look forward to seeing our players and watch their excitement and dedication to continue to compete [during these trying times of the pandemic] is something very special” at the upcoming USA Masters Games. The USA Masters Games FootGolf tournament will take place June 26th, 2021 at The Kicks at Bowen Lake and you still have plenty of time to brush up your soccer and golf skills to compete in Michigan this year.
Where to play?
If you are looking to participate in FootGolf, “there are nearly 500 courses across the United States where players can get out and play” said Laura Balestrini. Check out the website to be able to filter the courses near you.
How to get involved?
If you like the sport or want to become more involved, become a member of the AFGL and attend local tournaments to compete and meet players around the world. Additionally, check out the FootGolf clubs and Facebook groups to gain more information about where to play and how to get involved. Just like Jordan Godfrey, practice makes perfect, and it also makes National Champions. Each and every tournament, including the USA Masters Games, is another opportunity to compete with both national and international players.
Need more information about the Four Pillars?
Photo Courtesy of American FootGolf League
The American FootGolf League – Major League for the sport of FootGolf in the United States
www.footgolfusa.org
The American FootGolf Federation – Governing body for the sport of FootGolf in America, an exclusive member of the Federation for International FootGolf
www.footgolf.us
Discover FootGolf – Focuses on introducing the sport to new demographics
www.footgolf.net
The FootGolf Store – Official FootGolf Equipment and Certified FootGolf Course Design in the country
www.footgolf.info