Harare (New Ziana) -SOUTH Africa is the only African country that will compete in the 4th Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) World Cup to be held in Orlando, Florida, the United States of America from May 27 to June 6 this year.
Footgolf is played similarly to golf, with the exception that players use a football instead of a golf ball, and the ball is kicked rather than struck with a club, working toward a 50 cm-52 cm diameter by 28 cm deep “footgolf cup” usually located away from golf greens.
The player who finishes the course with the fewest shots wins. Footgolf is often played on golf courses, though it may also be played on specially built courses. The first shot has to be played from a tee box, and bunkers, trees, water and hills must be crossed or avoided in order to reach the hole.
It all began in Holland in 2009 and its popularity has been rapidly growing ever since. In 2012, the first ever FootGolf World Cup was held in Hungary with eight countries competing.
Most footgolfers play or played soccer and transfer those skills to a golf course. Many of the world’s best footgolfers competed at soccer’s highest levels, both amateur and professional.
South Africa will be the only Africa nation at the 4th FIFG FootGolf World Cup where 38 other nations will be competing.
In a statement, South Africa FootGolf executive director Norman Mphake said participating at the FIFG FootGolf World Cup was a “victory” for Africa.
“I believe that the opportunity we have been granted to participate in the upcoming FIFG FootGolf World Cup may and will change South Africans’ and possibly the African continent’s sentiments and views about this beautiful sport.
“Knowing that we are not only going to the FIFG FootGolf World Cup – Orlando 2023 to compete with the 38 other counties, but that we will be representing and showcasing Footgolf from not only South Africa but from the entire African continent is a victory and heart-warming achievement for us,” said Mphake.The
The FIFG, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the world’s governing body for the sport of FootGolf.
Its primary function is to promote worldwide recognition of the sport of FootGolf. In addition, it oversees international development and growth to ensure equitable play for all players.
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