Footgolf takes over as a unique sporting code

Footgolf, a sport that originated in the Netherlands, was first conceived by a group of football players who met on holiday at a golf course.

What started as a casual game turned into an official sport, which was formally recognised by an international governing body in 2021.

When the sport made its way to South Africa, it began as an exploratory initiative, with Norman Mphake playing a pivotal role in bringing it to life in the country.

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Footgolf combines elements of both football and golf, following the rules of both sports but with a unique twist.

Players use a football instead of a golf ball and aim for larger holes on a golf course while wearing soccer boots.

The fusion of these two disciplines has created a dynamic and engaging sport that continues to grow in popularity.

Over time, efforts to establish footgolf in South Africa gained momentum, and the sport was successfully registered at a provincial level under SASCOC in Gauteng.

This certification allows for the development of structured programs, and the team continues to meet provincial requirements necessary for further recognition.

By 2026, the sport will qualify for a sports budget allocation as part of the formal regulatory framework.

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Currently, 150 players are participating in the sport across Gauteng.

The footgolf academy has developed its own league and hosts monthly tournaments, ensuring that players have regular opportunities to compete.

Recent tournaments took place in Midrand, following an inaugural event at Hillside in February.

The next major event is scheduled for March 29 in Polokwane.

Despite its growing presence, footgolf in South Africa faces challenges, particularly in increasing female participation.

CEO of Footgolf South Africa, Eric Mlambo, emphasised the need for more women to join the sport.

“We have a strong male presence, but we still need to balance the equation by encouraging female participants.

Additionally, securing sponsorships remains a challenge, although a major company has stepped in to assist with essential equipment purchases.”

The sport has also faced setbacks due to crime.

“We were victims of theft when one of the training facilities provided by the Tshwane Municipality was broken into.

“Incidents like this hinder our progress, but we remain committed to growing footgolf in South Africa,” Mlambo added.

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Looking ahead, the academy aims to expand its player base to 500 members, a goal that depends on securing access to more golf courses across the country.

The international federation has granted approval to expand footgolf to other provinces, and discussions are already underway with various regions.

In an exciting development, South Africa’s footgolf team will travel to Zambia later this year to host a federal tournament featuring teams from several African nations.

Additionally, the club is preparing for an international competition in England this coming August, where they will continue their journey towards global recognition.