FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What do I wear?
A: Soccer or Golf gear or a combination of both. Pants, shorts, skirts for bottoms. Polo, jersey, t-shirt, or long sleeves for top. No tank tops or cutoffs. Festive and fun is encouraged, just "keep it classy, San Diego." Turf shoes, sneakers, or running shoes. Absolutely NO CLEATS as it can ruin the course. During Covid era, masks are mandatory upon check-in or when around crowds.
Q: Do I bring my own Soccer Ball?
A: Recommended, but you can rent or buy a ball at the course if supplies last. If you buy or use an OFFICIAL NFGA branded FootGolf soccer ball, you get 1 mulligan at every NFGA event! Boom!
Q: Is Alcohol and Music allowed on course?
A: Umm.. YES! Keep music levels reasonable, not too vulgar, and don't get wasted. No consumption by or sharing with minors AT ALL. If caught doing so, team(s) will all be disqualified and must leave the course. Remember this is a fun environment with friendly competition and meeting new people in a golf course environment. Subject to change according to course rules.
Q: What happens if it rains or Covid closure and are there Refunds?
A: If its a light drizzle, game on! If cancelled by weather, entry ticket cost will be refunded. Rain-out declaration will be posted online at least 2 hours before start time. If course is forced to close down due to covid reasons, ticket is fully refunded. If a player/team cannot play due to illness travel, or other issue they may transfer thier entry to someone else. No refunds besided the situations give above as items have been purchased based on participants.
Q: What's the advantage of a co-ed team?
A: Guys tee off from the Men's tee and Women from the Women's tee. If there is no Women's tee present, the girl player may start 10 yards closer towards the hole from the Men's tee. Since a team chooses the best ball on each shot, that can be the difference! My girl tee's off from the Men's tees and beats me so its the ultimate in gender sports equality if Men and Women choose to start from the same spot...
Factoid: Our first weekly league had 3 (three) all men and 4 (four) co-ed teams with the 1st and 2nd place teams were both co-ed!
Q: What is "scramble" format?
A: Scramble format is when a group plays as a team and they chose 1 ball location to play from after each kick/stroke. For example with a 2 player team: Each player on the team hits a tee shot, then the players decide which shot they like better. The two players then play their second kisk/stroke from that same spot. The ball that is moved must be placed within 1 ball diameter of the chosen ball's lie, once kicked.
Q: Can players switch the ball they use?
A: As in golf, players must complete the hole with the same ball they tee'd off with, unless ball is lost or destroyed. Players may decide to switch balls to tee off with (and complete the hole) when starting each new hole. Exeption: If moving ball back in play from being Out-of-bounds with a 1 stroke penalty, or to clean of chunks of mud or grass when putting. Ball must be place back in the same spot with same obstructions present.
Q: Who tee's off first?
A: To start the round, players either choose amongst themselves or fiip a coin, scorecard, etc. In a team format, each team alternates shots until all players have kicked. (Tee off order: player 1 on team "A", player 1 on team "B", player 2 on team "A", player 2 on team "B". For following holes, a player from the team that won the previous hole, tees off first. If the hole was tied, the team that went first last hole, retains the position and goes first again. In the case of a tie after the first hole of the round, teams alternate which team starts until a team wins a hole and the normal process above can be followed.
Q: Who kicks first after the tee shots?
A: The team/player with the ball furthest from the hole goes first. Either player of the same team can go first. This repeats until the hole is finished. Players may kick out of turn if group agrees or to putt out on a short distance putt, to get their ball out of the way.
Q: Is there a weekly league?
A: The NFGA has completed 2 summer leagues; one in 2018 and one in 2019. Plans for future casual and professional team leagues are in the works as popularity and the potential for corporate sponsorship's continue to grow! If you want to be a part of making it happen, we WANT YOU! So please shoot us an email or call us and let's make it happen together. In a T.E.A.M.- Together Everyone Achieves More.
Q: What are the general rules of footgolf?
A: Rules?!...WHAT rules!? -lol. But seriously its basically golf with a soccer ball and common sense and courtesy. Click here for general rules.
Q: What are the Additional Specific Tournament Rules?
See section below.
Tournament specific rules
1. Turf, sneaker, or indoor shoes allowed on the golf course. NO cleats allowed.
This is mandated by the golf courses. No cleats to minimize damage done to the couse by kicking. No kicking from the golf putting green or "grounds under repair" area. (see basic rules section)
2. Proper etiquette and no offensive or political apparel.
No offensive or political apparel, music, etc as determined by tournament organizers. Proper golf etiquette, good sportsmanship, respecting other players, respecting the course, and honest play to be expected at all times. Offenders will be warned, be given a penalty stroke, or disqualified without refund.
3. Free Mulligan with NFGA ball.
Free Mulligan per player using an official NFGA FootGolf soccer ball. Its a high quality, professionally approved, size 5 soccer ball with dimples like a golf ball for straight and long flight. 1 mulligan purchasable at event.
4. Prohibited and Approved balls.
Certain balls are prohibited due to being discontinued, very scarce, or very expensive thats gives an Overly unfair advantage for those who use them. Since rec and elite players are competing against each other for the same prize, the winner should win mostly based on skill and not based on the ball. All balls must be for outdoor soccer match use, approved by, and stamped by one of these recognized associations: fifa, ncaa, nfga, or naia. The entry price for the elite category is so low because it is offset by rec players competing, who have a lower chance of winning. Playing with a prohibited ball at any point will be an automatic forfeit and entry fee will be fully refunded. (see ball list at bottom, feel free to email us on ball questions before or after signup).
MEGABOWL EMERALD LAKES PROHIBITED BALLS: NONE.
(offset by further/different tee locations)
League Prohibited Balls: 1.Jabulani 2.Jobulani 3.La Sangres 4.Torfabrik 5.Teangeist 6.Speedcell 7.Europass. General rule of thumb: If the ball in brand new condition at regular retail price is currently greater than $199, it's prohibited.
5. Ball size by Player.
Player can play with the ball size designated for thier age group. Player may play with a higher size ball.
6. Ball Collisions.
Collisions: Ball that was struck is to be moved back to the original position. The ball that collided with the ball at rest is to be played from wherever it ends up stopping.
7. Ball Removal Request.
Removal request: Teams are required to mark their ball location and temporarily move their ball out of the way if requested by the other team. This rule is meant to be used only if the ball at rest is in the way or impeding another players shot towards or in the path of the hole. Abuse of this rule as determined by designated tournament staff may result in a penalty stroke given.
8. Scramble style play.
Scramble style: Both teammates take each kick from the same location for each stroke (with potential exception of the tee shot). Example: Teammate "A" takes his second shot which lands behind a tree or in the water. Teammate "B" takes her second shot which lands in the middle of the fairway. The team can then choose to take thier 3rd kick's from teammate "B's" ball which has a better lie.
9. Tees
Tees are permitted. max height of 1.5". Tees may be available for purchase at events. for a donation to the benefiting charity. Feel free to bring your own home-made tee.
10. Mulligans
One (1) mulligan per team is allowed and purchasable. A team with a player using an NFGA soccer ball is given a free mulligan. Only 1 player on a team may use the mulligan to re-kick their own ball. If players is thinking of using a mulligan, they need to mark their ball before kicking. Mulligans are not allowed in the playoffs. Mulligan sales help raise funds for the benefiting non-profit.
Elite vs other Skill levels
Q: Whats the difference between an Elite and Regular skill player?
A: An Elite player is either a person who has scored -10 or less underpar on an 18 hole footgolf course, a current or former pro soccer player (within 2 years), or a person who deems themself as an elite footgolf player (within 2 years). A Regular player is any other level. The NFGA operates its events with unrestricted competition, meaning it's generally open for all, without requiring special memberships to participate. Regular and Elite players are able to compete against each other fairly in the same event due to different entry levels with different starting tee positions.
Q: How are the other skill levels defined?
A: The other category options are: New, Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. "New" = first time playing in a tournament. "Beginner" = usually scores over par. "Intermediate" = usually scores around par. "Advanced" = usually scores under par.
Q: What's the advantage to playing in the Elite Category?
A: Money And bragging rights! A major benefit to playing in an NFGA tournament in the Elite category is a substantially larger prize purse. Example: If, Shankapotamos Sally wins the MEGABOWL after signing up in the Regular category, she may win a $300 purse. Yet if, Eddie Eagle wins after signing up in the Elite category, his prize purse may be $1,000! There is usually only 1 tournament Champion, they are just prized out according to their chosen category.
Q: What's the disadvantage to playing in the Elite Category?
A: The Elite category has a higher entry cost and generally a further starting tee position.
Q: Why do you ask about skill level?
A: Simply to collect information and see if Elite players truly enter into the Elite category.
MEGABOWL ENTRY CATEGORy and skill level
Q: What's the difference between entering in the Elite Prize category vs Regular Prize category?
A: Prize money and general starting position. In the Elite Prize category, guy players tee off from the Elite tees which is generally 20 yards further back from the Regular tees. Elite Women players tee off from the Regular tees with a few exceptions. If a team that has registered in the Elite Prize category wins the Megabowl, they take the large prize purse and trophy.
A: In the Regular Prize category, guy players tee off from the Regular tee. Women players tee off from the Women's tee which is generally 5-10 yards closer to the hole from the Regular tee with a few exceptions. If there is no Womens tee, the Woman player plays from the regular tee. If a team that has registered in the Regular Prize category wins the Megabowl, they take the small prize purse and trophy.
Q: Is there a footgolf course map showing Regular and Elite tee boxes?
A: Yes! It's on the "Pic & Vids" page. Link is Here
Q: Do Men and Women Tee off from different places?
A: Sometimes. See Answer above.
Q: Does a Youth player start closer to the hole?
A: Sometimes A youth player is someone who is 15 years old or younger at the time of the tournament. A youth player tees off at the closest tee box regardless of Prize category entered at. Some special youth tees may be marked on certain holes.
Q: How does skill level and category affect game play?
A: Teams play at the Tees designated according to the entry level chosen regardless of skill level entered. Skill level is for informational purposes only and to see if Elite skill level players choose to play in the Elite Prize category.
Q: What happens if a Regular skill level player registers in the Elite Prize category?
A: They play at the tees and prize level designated for the Elite Prize category.
Q: What happens if an Elite skill level player registers in the Regular Prize category?
A: They play at the tees and prize level designated for the Regular Prize category; and may get a wierd glance from other Elite players playing in the Elite Prize category- lol.
Q: What format is the Megabowl played under?
A: The first round is 9 holes by stroke play. The top 4 teams (final four) with the lowest scores advance to the playoffs. Playoffs are played head to head bracket style. 1st seed plays 4th, 2nd seed plays 3rd seed, etc with winners advancing. Head-to-head rounds are played over 4 holes each round with the last hole being the 9th hole for maximum viewership.
Q: How are tie breakers handled?
A: See "how to win" section further below.
Basic Rules of NFGA footgolf
How to Win
Foot + Golf = FootGolf; also described as "Soccer Golf". Simply, its golf using a soccer ball and large 21" cups with similar rules. As with regular golf using "strokes", to win in footgolf, you want to get the soccer ball into the hole with fewer kicks or "strokes" than your opponent(s).
In head-to-head play (much more fun), 2 teams or individuals play to win as many "holes" or "goals" as possible. An example is if, Two Footed Freddy gets a lower score on 5 holes, and Aunt J gets a lower score on 7 holes, and they tie the rest, the final score is 7 - 5 with Aunt J celebrating on a tower of pancakes. --- DELICIOUS!
Usually an NFGA tournament format is broken up into an opening round of 9 - 18 holes in stroke play style to get the top (final) 4 playoff teams. In playoffs, the teams are put into march madness style brackets, and play 4 head-to-head matches. A semi-final of the #1 seed vs #4 seed and the #2 seed vs the #3 seed. The winners of each semi-final, play each other in a 3-hole head to head Final! In a 6 playoff team format, the #1 and #2 seed get a first round bye.
In the event of a tie after a head-to-head tournament match, a 1 kick putt-off will ensue . All teammates kick from an agreed upon long putt position and the team who's ball is closest, wins the match. This process is repeated if necessary until a victor has been crowned.
Rules of Play:
- To start ("tee off"), you may kick your ball from a position up to two yards behind the tee markers at the designated teeing area. If there are no clear markers, ask a marshall or event rep. Make sure your kick will not interfere with other players or golfers.
- The ball must be played in a single movement. It's not allowed to push the ball with the top of your foot to "lift" it or bottom of your foot to "roll" it with elongated contact with the ball. But a backwards heel kick is pretty dope!
- Wait to play your next shot until your ball has come to rest fully. However your group can agree to all kick at the same time or staggered to quicken the pace of play. It is not legal to stop the ball from rolling from the wind.
- Play the ball where it lies as in golf. You are not allowed to remove jammed objects. or the ball. Exception; you may mark the spot and temporarily move the ball when it may obstruct another player’s kick or ball in any way. Ball to be returned when it is no longer in the way. (exception is on a golf green, water hazard, or "grounds under repair" area)
- Do not kick a ball from the golf greens. If the ball comes to rest on a golf green, move it to the spot at which it entered the green. No penalty.
- Water/general hazard, "Grounds under repair" hazard, out of bounds. If the ball lands in a hazard or out of bounds, retrieve and replace it within 3 feet from the closest land point from where the ball entered the hazard (which may be defined by stakes). Receive a one-stroke penalty.
- Sand hazard / trap: If the ball lands in a sand trap or hazard, player should walk to the ball taking the shortest route. No practice swings allowed (as with golf) and please rake your footsteps upon leaving hazard (as with golf).
Scramble Format: If you've ever played in a charity golf tournament, you know what "scramble" style is. As a 2-person team, each teammate kicks their own ball. The team can then choose to move their ball and make their next kick from the better placed ball. So if one person shanks it into the water and the other hits the middle of the fairway, both players can take their next kicks from the fairway without penalty as if the water ball never happened. This is repeated throughout every kick until one of the teams' ball goes into the cup. (see more info on Scramble format in the top FAQ section)
Pace of Play and Golfers: Golfers generally don't like Footgolfers on the course. Remember that It IS mainly a golf course, but by paying your green fees, you have a right to enjoy it as well. Think skiers and snowboarders when snowboarding was new... With that said, it will help the growth of the sport if we are polite and play in between the golfers shots (as they should do for you as well). Footgolf is MEANT to be played during the lull between one golf foursome and another golf foursome. Usually everyone is pretty nice, respectful, and curious. As players we are the Ambassadors of the sport, and the Course will appreciate us for representing it well.
Disputes and spirit of the game: If a situation arises where a team or onlooker has a significant disagrement in play or believes a team is attempting to circumvent or "out smart" the rules in an unfair and advantageous way, they should: pause play, leave balls where they lie, and get a hold of a course or tournament official. Other teams should play through. If and only if necessary, the paused players may temporarily remove their ball if requested by the teams playing through, then replace them in the same position once the players have played through. Spirit of the game is to play with integrity and respect of the course, surrounding vegetation, structures, staff, and other players. A player that cheats is robbing the other players of a fair, positive, and enjoyable competitive experience while also disrespecting the time, effort and money spent by event organizers, promoters, course staff, and the non-profit. Cheaters will be disqualified without refund and disallowed from future events. If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right; so use good judgement, ask someone first, or don't do it.
soccer referee pointing