Foot Golf

When I was growing up as a young lad I would say one of the fastest growing sports at the time was probably BMX'ing. Skip forward 30 years and BMX'ing is now an Olympic Sport and one of the fastest growing sports in the country right now is something called "Foot Golf". Basically it is a cross between golf and football where you have oversized holes and have to use your feet only to take as few shots as possible to kick the ball into the hole. What an absolutely genius idea blending together two of the countries biggest sports, I can really see the appeal and why it is becoming so popular.

 

Anyway I found our nearest Foot Golf course in Romford and decided it would be great to take the boys along. Not only does it get them outdoors and getting more exercise, but it is great football training for learning how to strike a ball, chip a ball and for accuracy. The course we played was only 9 holes and the distance from tee to hole ranged from maybe 35 yards to a maximum of 90 yards, but man was it a lot harder than it sounds. The greens are fast making it very hard to keep the ball on them and with the slightest wind or slope and your ball is gone. Most of the holes are a par 3 and I don't think I got close to getting many pars, in fact a few holes were in to double figures (so not too different from my normal golf!). I hate to admit it but the boys probably turned me over on this one!!! But we had great fun and will definitely go back for me.

Action shot of Joshua tee'ing off on his first hole.

Brandon tonks his first shot of foot golf.

Great drive as Brandon's ball goes straight down the fairway towards the flag.

The holes may be oversized but don't let that make you think it is any easier to get the ball in to them.

Both boys make the green whilst my ball is stuck out on the fringe.

Finally we all make the hole.

Brandon totals up the scores as Joshua scoops the balls from the hole.

Another great shot of Josh striking the ball.

Brandon sinks another putt as Joshua watches on.

Sitting in the hole whilst updating the score cards.

What a genius idea - foot golf. Love it.

Talking tactics or just wondering why their Dad is a football coach but is so cr@p at foot golf.

End of the round and Joshua is feeling a bit tired.

Whilst we were over the golf course we figured we might as well also try out the new Moby Dick crazy golf course which has only been open for around 15 weeks. Apparently it is one of the largest crazy golf courses in the UK or Europe or something. They said the course wasn't that busy today yet it seemed rammed to us and on a few occasions we found ourself waiting behind 2 or 3 groups to get on the next hole. That aside it was still good fun and it is an amazing looking crazy golf course as I am sure you will agree from the pictures. 

The boys crossing the bridge to the pirate ship hole.

Waterfall back drop with vibrant blue coloured water.

Joshua tee's off inside the pirate ship hole.

Brandon tonks one down past the masts.

The boys standing in front of the pirate ship.

Now we know why the course is named after Moby Dick.

What a great hole, tap the ball down the hole at the back of the whales throat.

Joshua's turn, on this hole he hit a hole in one. The only one of the day for me or the boys.

The two boys being eaten by Moby Dick.

Crossing one of the bridges with the pirate ship in the background.

The layout of the course is well thought out with plenty of opportunity to lose your ball in the water.

This hole looks so simple and it could be if it wasn't for a tempter on the right which prompts you to physically hit the ball into the stream and see if the flow of water will carry the ball through the rockery tunnel and towards the hole! The boys were fascinated by this and played this hole over and over again getting a little wet in the process.

 

Overall we had a great boys morning out with football and golf whilst Tina and Holly stayed at home to catch up on some sleep. The only regret was not taking our golf bags as we could have hit the driving range whilst we was there as well. Maybe next time. For sure I think we will be organising a little foot golf event for all the boys at Joshua's football club in the not so distant future. Who knows, is foot golf the next big thing and will we be watching this new sport in the Olympics in 20-30 years time?