By Tamas Mondovics
Summerfield Crossings Golf Club kicked off its newest venture by adding footgolf, a cross between or combination of soccer and golf, for its members and guests to enjoy.
The new addition was celebrated during a grand opening ceremony last month officially opening the course that is now running alongside the club’s traditional 36-hole (two 18-hole) golf courses.
Utilizing both 18-hole courses for the sports has affectively turned the Summerfield Crossings Golf Club at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. in Riverview into the first of its size in Florida, allowing soccer players with some fancy footwork to show off their skills.
“We are pleased to add the sport to our course,” said Head Golf Professional, James Gottschalk, adding that the sport is a lot of fun and that the vast majority of those who make use of the Riverview course on a regular basis felt the same.
Footgolf, a relatively new sport that has taken off globally and only recently arrived in Florida, lets players kick a soccer ball into a cup in as few shots as possible. Play is most similar to traditional golf where each player takes turns striking their own ball.
Gottschalk explained that using the basic model of golf, foot golfers play each hole in sequence defined by the scorecard. Up to four players in a group take turns kicking their ball from behind the orange tee area and into the hole with the orange flag ranging from 90-200 yards. The farthest out plays first after tee shot. Each hole is regulated at par three, four or five.
Interestingly the reason for the sport’s popularity is quite simple. For starters it is for all ages. Requiring minimal equipment to play, with no experience necessary, it is an ideal activity for family days out, corporate events, leagues, first dates, bachelor parties and fundraisers.
Footgolf tee times are offered at the Summerfield Crossings Golf Club daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rates for 18-holes are: adults $15 and for ages 15 and under $10. Golf carts are available for $5. Soccer balls for rent are $5 each, but players can use their own. Starting on July 17 and 18 the club will also offer family and adult leagues on Sunday and Monday afternoons and evenings from 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively.
For more information on the sport, visit www.summerfieldgc.com.
