MANDAN, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota has its first accredited FootGolf course.
The sport is similar to golf and involves kicking a soccer ball into 21-inch diameter cups, in as few shots as possible, The Bismarck Tribune reported. Players wear golf, turf or athletic shoes. Cleats are prohibited because they could damage the greens.
“We have plenty of soccer balls to rent, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own,” said Brad Olson, golf course operations manager.
Olson said North Dakota was the last state in the nation to acquire an accredited course.
The course in Mandan has 18 holes with two sets of tees for any skill level.
“FootGolf gets people out to exercise and, normally, those people are not golfers,” Olson said.
Bismarck resident Michael Jochim, whose family was one of the first to try the course, said the new course was fun for his family.
“The kids had fun with it because it gave them a target to kick the ball towards, rather than just dribbling around the backyard. The holes playing down the fairways were especially fun because the ball would roll forever,” Jochim said.
The FootGolf season will end Oct. 15, to allow plenty of time to winterize the golf course.
“As soon as we can next year, we’ll be open,” Olson said.
___
Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.