The latest sport craze is coming soon to one of Georgia’s State Parks. FootGolf is a combination of golf and soccer, where players kick a regular soccer ball into 21-inch cups. A grand opening for the new layout at Brazell’s Creek Golf Course inside Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park is May 10.  Anyone interested in learning about the game can play a round for free between 1 and 5:30 p.m.

Currently, only a few other FootGolf courses are found in Georgia. The rules are much like traditional golf, with players aim to kick as few times as possible across 18 holes. No one is sure of the game’s origins, but the first tournament was played in 2008 in the Netherlands. The American FootGolf League was founded in 2011. Today, around 10,000 players make tee times each month at more than 500 courses in the U.S.

Rob Greer, superintendent of Brazell’s Creek Golf Course at Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park, is also chair of the Georgia Chapter of the American FootGolf League. He spent the last few months laying out the course, adding special greens, cups and tees to the existing golf course.

“I set it up to be easy enough for everyone in the family to play, but challenging enough so that experienced players will also have a great time,” said Greer. “It’s also really important to us that our traditional golfers and our FootGolfers can enjoy their own sports without interference from each other.”

For this reason, FootGolf is available only after noon daily, but not in the mornings. Cleats are prohibited, so players can wear sneakers, turf shoes or indoor soccer shoes. Typically, players bring their own soccer ball, or they can rent one from the park for $3. The fee is $10 for 18 holes. Carts are available; however, walking is encouraged.

“We’re so excited to bring this growing sport to Reidsville and hope everyone will come out for the grand opening on May 10,” said Greer. “Even if you’ve never played golf or soccer before, come check it out. All abilities are welcome.”

To learn more, visit GaStateParks.org/GordoniaAlatamaha and www.footgolf.us. Tee times can be made by calling 912-557-7745.

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