Golf/soccer hybrid growing the game and boosting golf revenues
NEW LENOX, Ill. – One year ago this week, Footgolf associations from around the country came together to take what could well be the world’s fastest growing sport – Footgolf – to its next level of development. The United States Footgolf Association, a national non-profit sports organization dedicated to the sport’s growth and evolution was born.
Footgolf has become to the golf industry what snowboarding was to the ski industry, providing new revenue opportunities for golf facilities across the country. In 2012, there were only two golf courses in the United States offering footgolf. This year the number of courses has soared to nearly 500 with golf courses generating tens of thousands of dollars in new revenue.
Since its inception, the USFGA has seen the number of associations nearly double and its membership now accounts for nearly one fourth of all footgolf courses in the United States. This includes a special relationship with the U.S. Air Force and its courses.
“In just a few years, footgolf has exploded in popularity,” says J. Ramon Estevez, West Regional Director of the USFGA. “State and regional footgolf leagues and tournaments were popping up everywhere, along with a wide range of media coverage that was creating massive buzz about the sport. It was essential to create a national governing body that offers support and guidance to course operators, promotes player participation, and at the same time, keep growing the sport.”
Footgolf follows the same set-up, strategy, rules and etiquette as golf. The game is played with a standard soccer ball with holes averaging 160 yards and cups 21-inches in diameter.
“Footgolf combines the best of golf and soccer,” Estevez reports. “The USFGA’s mission is to educate the public about footgolf, rate courses, provide certification for golf courses and monitor its overall growth.”
Amongst its many functions, USFGA provides one-on-one consulting with golf course owners and superintendents; course certification programs; user-friendly handicapping for players and course operators; sponsorship of national competitions and tournaments via its USFGA Tours; and Junior Footgolf programs with its USFGA Youth Division.
“We’re all about growing the game from tåÂåÂhe grassroots level on up,” Estevez says. “Because USFGA is a non-profit we can act in the best interests of our players and leagues,” Estevez continues, “and ensure that even more people are introduced to the sport. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
This fall, the USFGA will be sponsoring the first-ever National Footgolf Conference. The event will take place Oct. 2, 2015 at the Ben Hogan Learning Center at Rockwood Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas. The conference will be eligible for PGA of America MSR points. In conjunction with the National Conference, the USFGA National Championships will take place Oct. 3-4, 2015 at “The Boot” at Oeste Ranch Golf Course in Weatherford, Texas.
“Footgolf has been nothing short of a phenomenon these past few years,” Estevez says. “The USFGA is dedicated to keeping that enthusiasm going and introducing more men, women and children to the fun and contagious experience that footgolf is providing to a whole new sports community.”
ABOUT USFGA
The USFGA is a non-profit organization promoting the growth and development of the sport of footgolf in the United States. Our sanctioned State and Regional Associations provide support and expertise to help implement and enjoy this fast growing sport. From footgolf players to golf course operators, we offer complete infrastructure, support, course design & layout services, membership benefits, official equipment, leagues, tournaments, State, Regional & National events, Handicap system and resources for the entire footgolf community. For more information visit www.USFootgolf.org
Contact:
CORPORATE ADDRESS:
USFGA National Office
1400 London Rd.
New Lenox, IL 60451
312-888-6068
USFGA CONTACT
J. Ramon Estevez
West Region Director
415-878-6122
MEDIA CONTACT:
Golf Marketing Services
Holly Geoghegan, 321-303-9684
Irlianna Samsara, 352-455-7509