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.
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 disagreement 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 league 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.
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The NFGA supports the growth of FootGolf!