Not familiar with the game of FootGolf? That's OK, here's your chance to learn! Cleveland Metroparks is bringing this fast-paced hybrid of soccer and golf to Mastick Woods and Shawnee Hills golf courses beginning April 12.
Playing is easy! There's no clubs, no cleats and no goalie -- just your friends (like golf), your feet and your ball (like soccer). Players kick a regulation Size 5 soccer ball, starting from the tee box, along the course and try to sink it in the (considerably larger) cup in as few kicks as possible. The lowest total wins, just like golf.
The ball must always be kicked by the player's foot - no rolling or dribbling is allowed, and best of all, prior experience in soccer or golf is not necessary.
Named an official U.S. sport in 2011, FootGolf pulls elements from both soccer and golf to create an incredibly entertaining game for people of all ages.
Two Cleveland Metroparks golf courses have been revamped to allow both golf and FootGolf to be played. Mastick Woods Golf Course has an 18-hole course certified by the American FootGolf League and Shawnee Hills offers players a nine-hole course.
To introduce this new sport to Cleveland, the Park District will host a free �FootGolf Kick Off� at Mastick Woods on April 12, with events running from 9 a.m. to noon. Team up with family and friends to participate in �Play with a Pro,� where guests can play a nine-hole round of FootGolf with a professional soccer player from AFC Cleveland. Contests will run throughout the morning with prizes such as FootGolf passes, tickets to AFC Royals games, T-shirts and more. The event will also feature warm-up activities and autograph sessions. After noon on April 12 anyone who wears a soccer jersey to Mastick Woods can play FootGolf for half price.
Absolutely no cleats are allowed while playing FootGolf. Turfs, indoor soccer shoes and tennis shoes are all appropriate. It is recommended that players bring their own soccer ball as limited rental balls are available.
For more information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/footgolf or call (216) 635-3200.
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