“In FootGolf the starting kick can be made only from the ground…”

Rule 11, The Official FIFG Rulebook 2014.

In a sport that takes much (if not all) of it’s game play, rules and regulations from the sport of Golf, the Footgolf Pro is keen to challenge the rule that a players starting kick (or ‘kick-off’) can only be taken from the ground.

In golf, a tee is normally used for the first stroke of each hole. Teeing gives a considerable advantage to drive shots in that it generally allows for a cleaner contact which gives rise to more control over the ball, greater precision, extra height and longer driving distances.

At footee, we get a good few rugby, gaelic football and even football players armed with kicking tees asking what the rules are relating to their use. Unfortunately we have to tell them that the official rules state that they cannot be used. Not that this stops them, and rightly so. Why should it be this way?

I encourage the option of using kicking tees personally and I would also encourage the FIFG to revisit this particular rule regarding the use of kicking tees for kick-offs.

After all, approx. 80% of the rest of a players shots will be taken from the ground on fairways and on greens, so allowing for the use of tees adds a different type of stroke and a new and positive dimension to game play. So why not mix it up and give the sport of Footgolf an even greater golfing edge?

We get a lot of people at footee asking what’s the best way to putt. For most, it’s the facet of their game that costs them the most shots but the reality is, there’s no “best way” to putt. It’s subjective, so whatever feels right or natural for you is the technique you should stick with. We’ve taken a quick look at the 3 main footgolf putting tekkers so you can try out and decide for yourself.

Toe-Poking: the trusty toe-poke allows players to control the speed of the football better but accuracy often suffers. The best way to toe poke is to stand directly over the ball, read the putt and adjust your direction before pulling your foot back and kicking the football with the big toe part of the boot. A cm off to the left or right of the centre of the football and you’re likely to end up a good bit off target.

Side-Footing: it definitely feels the most natural and comfortable for footballers but it’s important to know what part of the foot to use. Using the topside of the boot or side of the big toe opens you up to too many potential pitfalls and you’re likely to come up short and off target. The arch of the boot or the heel of the boot are probably the best options with the heel being our choice as it just gives that little bit more accuracy and control.

Rolling: well it turns out the FIFG (World Footgolf Assoc.) has now outlawed the ‘roll’ (using the base of your foot) because it’s not something that would ordinarily occur in football. We think Ronaldo, Sanchez or Neymar might disagree but the decision has been rubber stamped as of January 2014. So no more rolling lads and lasses…

The most important thing to remember is to take your time, make sure your ‘standing’ foot is solid and you’re distributing your weight correctly, take a good read of the green and once you’ve decided on your line, like golf, don’t change your mind mid-putt.

We would always advise players to leave the pin in the hole too!