Hybrid sports, like disc golf and tennis polo, aren’t new. FootGolf, a sport that combines golf and soccer, came onto the scene around 2006, but didn’t arrive in Muncie until recently.
FootGolf uses basic golf rules. Players kick a soccer ball into large cups in the ground, said David Jordan, owner of Trailside Golf and FootGolf in Muncie. His course is located 16 minutes away from campus at 4813 U.S. Highway 35.
There are both 9- and 18-hole courses, with a par for each hole. Other golfing terms like birdies, bogies and eagles also come into play.
The sport now boasts tournaments and an international federation. For those interested, the closest tournament to Muncie takes place in Chicago.
Jordan jumped into the FootGolf business in August after hearing about the sport from a friend.
“I looked into [FootGolf], and it seemed to me like a great thing,” he said.
It’s family-friendly, he said. The game can be played at church outings, birthday parties and company picnics.
Trailside, like other golf courses that offer the sport, has a course around the same area as the golf course.
Its holes are placed in challenging spots, such as by hills or sand traps.There are markers for where each hole starts, and players are given maps so they know their path around the course.
The course’s proximity to golfers has caused some discord, however. Some have left Trailside for other courses because FootGolf interferes with their game.
“Golf can be a very serious game, and FootGolf isn’t,” Jordan said.
Tony Arthur is a golfer who started coming to Trailside around the time FootGolf became a part of the business. The challenge that golf proposes is his favorite part.
“It’s like fishing. Can you ever really master it?” he 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 and even plans to bring his grandchildren someday to try it.
There are currently nine Indiana FootGolf courses recognized by the American FootGolf League. In larger states, like California, there are more than 50. Jordan is convinced of FootGolf’s longevity.
“If players have their own attire, it’s not just a passing thing,” Jordan said.
Read More
Ball State University Professor receives the Fulbright Scholar Award
By Linnea Sundquist / 1 hours agoProfessor Caitlyn Placek’s cross-cultural research project examined how different populations treat addiction.
Indiana Capital Chronicle: Indiana Senate Democrats retain leader despite sexual harassment allegations
By Indiana Capital Chronicle / 1 hours agoThe Indiana Senate Democratic caucus on Monday reelected its leader, Sen. Greg Taylor of Indianapolis — just hours after the Indianapolis Star reported three women have accused Taylor of sexual harassment.
Tickets for ‘A Conversation with David Letterman and Caitlin Clark’ are sold out
By Staff Reports / 22 hours agoA stand-by line for tickets will be available the night of the event, Dec 2.
