It's Not Golf. It's Not Soccer. It's 'FootGolf' And It's In San Mateo

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of the City of San Mateo:

SAN MATEO, CA- The City of San Mateo’s Poplar Creek Golf Course opens the first 18-hole, American FootGolf League - certified FootGolf course on the Peninsula on Friday, April 1 at 4 pm.

“We’re very excited about introducing the new and growing sport of FootGolf to our city and surrounding areas,” says Tim Heck, Golf Services Manager.

FootGolf is played just like golf, but with a No. 5 soccer ball instead of a golf ball and clubs, and 21-inch holes. The rules are similar to golf, as is the etiquette expected of the players. The Poplar Creek FootGolf course is on the golf course front nine holes, and will play to a par-69, nearly 3200 yards from the championship tees. Two other sets of tees bring the yardage down to 1374 yards – a distance perfect for kids and families. It takes about two hours to play 18 FootGolf holes. Soccer cleats are not allowed. Players can wear turf or athletic shoes.

FootGolf can be played any day after 4 pm. For now, no tee time reservations are necessary – play will be first come, first served. Up to six people can play together. Rates are $16 weekday and $19 weekend. Kids 17 and under play every day for just $10. Golf carts are available to rent for $20 (two people). Also, a limited number of soccer balls are available to rent for $3 each, with a driver’s license or credit card for security.

“Our plan is to promote FootGolf for groups, leagues, and parties as space and time allow,” Heck adds. “We think soccer players will enjoy using their skills on a different landscape in a game where they can socialize with friends – something hard to do on a soccer pitch. It’s a lot of fun – but may not be as easy as you’d think. It’s a skill game, just like golf.”