Mar 1, 2026

How to Play Footgolf: Complete Guide

How to Play Footgolf: Complete Guide

Footgolf has quickly grown from a niche pastime into an organized sport with dedicated courses across the globe. By combining the precision of golf with the kicking skills of soccer, it offers a fun, low-impact alternative that almost anyone can enjoy.

Whether you are looking for a new weekend activity or a fresh way to sharpen your ball control, this guide walks you through every aspect of the game so you can step onto the first tee box with confidence.


What Is Footgolf?

Footgolf is played on either modified golf courses or purpose-built layouts where players kick a regulation No. 5 soccer ball toward oversized cups set in the fairway or rough. Just like traditional golf, the goal is to complete each hole in as few strokes, kicks, in this case, as possible.

Most courses feature 18 holes ranging from 50 to 250 yards. Pars mirror golf standards, typically between par 3 and par 5. Because it requires no clubs and minimal protective gear, footgolf is accessible for a broad range of ages and skill levels.


Essential Equipment

Getting started does not require a trunk full of gear. In fact, many courses rent or sell what you need on site, making spontaneous rounds easy.

  • Size 5 soccer ball (some courses provide rentals)
  • Turf or indoor soccer shoes with flat or dimpled soles, metal studs are not allowed
  • Comfortable athletic wear that meets the course dress code, often a collared shirt and knee-high socks


Understanding the Course Layout

Footgolf holes follow the contours of existing fairways but use specific tee markers and 21-inch diameter cups. Hazards such as sand traps, water features, and out-of-bounds stakes are often shared with traditional golfers.

Each tee box has signage indicating hole length, par, and any local rules. Distances are measured in yards, and fairways are usually shorter than those for standard golf to account for rolling soccer balls instead of airborne shots.


Basic Rules of Play

A round begins with all players teeing off in order. After the first kicks, the player whose ball lies farthest from the cup plays next, continuing until every ball is holed.

Players may not move or pick up the ball between kicks unless local rules allow relief from hazards or immovable obstructions. If a ball lands in a bunker, the player must either play it as it lies or take a one-stroke penalty drop outside the sand.

Most footgolf organizations follow the official Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) rulebook, though individual courses may add local modifications. Always check the scorecard or posted guidelines before starting.


Scoring in Footgolf

Scoring is identical to golf. Mark one stroke every time you kick the ball. Tally total strokes per hole and compare with par to track your performance.

A birdie means finishing one stroke under par, a bogey is one over, and so on. At the end of 18 holes, the player with the lowest aggregate score wins.


Etiquette and Pace of Play

Because footgolf often shares space with golfers, proper etiquette keeps everyone happy. Remain quiet during another player’s kick, repair any turf damage with your feet, and rake bunkers after use.

Maintain a steady pace by being ready to kick when it is your turn and letting faster groups play through. Most 18-hole rounds take about two hours with a foursome.


Tips for Beginners

Start each kick with a controlled approach rather than a full-power strike. Accuracy saves more strokes than distance in the long run.

Read the slopes of greens, called "putting areas" in footgolf, by observing how other balls roll. Soft, inside-foot passes work well for short shots.

If you want to improve quickly, practice chips and lobs on a local field. Mastering touch around the cup leads to the largest score gains.


Final Thoughts

Footgolf delivers an engaging mix of strategy, skill, and social fun without the steep learning curve of traditional golf. With minimal equipment and straightforward rules, you can be on the course and playing a full round in no time.

Grab a ball, book a tee time, and see why this fast-growing sport has earned a loyal following among families, soccer fans, and seasoned golfers alike.

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