Salamander Bay will become FootGolf central in November when the best players from Asia and Europe arrive for the 2019 Asia Cup and a world tour event.
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Horizons Golf Resort, home to FootGolf in Port Stephens, was selected to host the two events after the national body, FootGolf Australia, was successful in its bit to host the Asia Cup.
"It is a tremendous result for Australia to secure being the host country. Players will certainly be challenged on the 36 hole championship FootGolf course at Horizons," FootGolf Australia president Leonardo Fernandez.
"We are expecting players from 10 countries and hoping to see between 100 and 120 players plus their families and delegates."
The Asia Cup will be staged at the Salamander Bay resort between November 18 and 21.
Last staged in China, the Asia Cup will see the best FootGolf talent from the Asia Pacific region on display, with a chance for Australian players to show their skills on home turf. Other countries to be represented include China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and India.
Players will be competing for individual honours and in a team event covering mens, ladies and seniors divisions.
World number one FootGolf player Martias Perrone from Argentina has been selected as the tournament director.
FootGolf is a combination of football and golf. The game is played on a golf course using a regulation #5 football which is kicked into 52 cm diameter holes. The rules largely correspond with those of golf.
Since its inception in 2009, FootGolf has expanded around the world and is currently played in 40 countries.
FootGolf was introduced at Horizons in 2017. The Salamander Bay course hosted the 2018 FootGolf World Tour final in September.
Every two years there is a World Cup. In between these is continental competitions such as the European Tour, Americas Cup and the Asia Cup.
"We are excited to be the host course for the Asia Cup," Horizons Golf Resort chairman Selva Saverimuttu said.
"FootGolf has been very successful at our course particularly with engaging with the broader community. With the Asia Cup we hope to help promote the sport at a national level".
On the back of the Asia Cup, some of the best European players will take part in a world tour event on the Salamander Bay course between November 22 and 24.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase Port Stephens and Horizons Golf Resort internationally," Destination Port Stephens chief executive officer Eileen Gilliland said.
"The flow on benefits from Port Stephens hosting the FootGolf Asia Cup in 2019 will have a positive impact, generating promotion as well as social media engagement and personal recommendations which are strong drivers to generate visitation to the destination."
Families are being encouraged to check out the FootGolf actions and activities at Horizons in November. There will be free clinics for children and adults, come and try workshops and an interactive zone.
Entries to compete in the Asia Cup are now open. To qualify, you must register as a FootGolf Australia and world ranking member and participate in the Australian Open FootGolf Series competitions. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information on the Asia Cup, how to register and sponsorship phone Fernandez on 0425 806 917 or email info@footgolf.org.au.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
