Horizons Golf Resort will launch FootGolf this month and with it, a bid to host a round of the world cup.
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The sport – as the name suggests is a combination of soccer and golf and requires players to kick the ball up the fairway and into a 52 centimetre hole.
While in its infancy FootGolf has been embraced internationally with 10 countries involved in a World Cup.
“Because this is a championship quality golf course we’re hopeful of getting a round of the World Cup here,” Horizons director Bob Westbury said.
“To host a World Cup in any sport has loads of economic potential for the host location.
“But to start with we want to encourage people to take up the game socially.”
Horizons has spent recent weeks upgrading the course for FootGolf. The required holes have been built to the side of the greens.
Mr Westbury brought the idea to the Bay after a trip to Sydney.
“I had a game at Northbridge Golf Club and really enjoyed it,” he said.
Horizons owner Selva Severimuttu was said to be equally enthused.
“Selva agreed to take a look at it and said ‘we should be doing this’,” Mr Westbury said.
The launch will serve as a free introduction to the sport, on Saturday, December 16.
From then on it will cost $15 per person, or $8 for children. People can bring their own size 5 ball or hire for $5.
“The game follows a simple principle but it’s very enjoyable,” Mr Westbury said.
“It’s a game that mum, dad and the kids can all enjoy.”
FootGolf Australia founder and president Leonardo Fernandez said Horizons’ had real World Cup potential.
“We are very pleased to welcome Horizons FootGolf to the FootGolf Australia family,” he said.
“This FootGolf course is a serious contender to host the biggest FootGolf events on the FootGolf World Tour.
“The course features expansive lakes, undulating fairways and strategically located bunkers, all surrounded by natural bushland and an abundance of wildlife.”
Player registration and introductions will begin at 1.30pm with the official launch at 2.30pm.
The FootGolf World Tour competition kick off is at 3pm featuring some of the world’s best players as an exhibition.
Port residents will then have a chance to play in teams of four, from 3.20pm.
A social game will see players kick off at 3.40pm.