Awbrey Glen Golf Club to Kick Off FootGolf in Central OregonFootGolf, the popular sport that combines the skills of soccer with the precision and dramatic beauty of golf, will make its Central Oregon debut in June with the opening of a new five-hole course at Awbrey Glen Golf Club.
Instead of a bag of clubs and a small dimpled ball, FootGolf is played with a standard size soccer ball, which is kicked from a tee box to a green, and then rolled into a cup that’s 21 inches in diameter. The rules of play for golf and scoring largely apply and FootGolfers frequently have to contend with trees, bunkers and water hazards. The sport, which is governed by the Federation for International FootGolf, has grown tremendously throughout the world. Yet the FootGolf course at Awbrey Glen is the first authorized practice course in Oregon.
“We’re excited to bring this new sport to our Club and members,” said Mark Amberson, general manager/COO at Awbrey Glen Golf Club. “With all the young families and kids in the community, it’s a great fit for our facility and another opportunity for them to enjoy the Club.”
The five-hole FootGolf course will be an important part of Awbrey Glen’s Learning Center, which already features a popular par three “Loop” course.
“Part of our Golf 2.0 initiative at Awbrey Glen is to develop a passion for golf among our members and we believe we can introduce many to the traditional game through FootGolf,” explains Amberson. “In addition to creating the FootGolf course, we have recently enhanced our five-hole Loop course, which is the perfect place to practice. Each hole now has three sets of tee markers and an 8-inch cup on the green, as well as the standard size golf cup. You can now literally get a kick out of playing on our FootGolf course and try 30 different par-three holes on the Loop course.”
FootGolf is played in the traditional format with up to four players per group. Standard golf dress codes apply and players are encouraged to wear Argyle socks with flat-soled indoor soccer shoes (cleats are not allowed). They’re also encouraged to bring their own soccer balls.
FootGolf holes are roughly half the distance of a regular golf hole. While the soccer ball doesn’t travel as far as a golf ball, it will roll much farther in the fairways. The ability to control the ball with backspin, a hook or a slice will often come into play. “We are pleased to welcome Awbrey Glen to the growing sport of FootGolf,” says Laura Balestrini, president of American FootGolf League. “As the first authorized FootGolf practice course in Oregon, we are excited about introducing the game to this area.”
FootGolf at Awbrey Glen is free to its members and guests.
Nestled into the majestic pines of Bend’s west side, Awbrey Glen is home of one of Central Oregon’s most extraordinary 18-hole private championship golf courses. Golfers revel in the rugged outcroppings of lava and red-hued basalt, spectacular views of the Cascades, and shimmering lakes. The course plays from 5,400 yards to over 7,000 yards and appeals to all types of golfers: young and old, expert and beginner, families and retirees. AGGC also features one of the finest practice facilities in the state: The Golf Learning Center with its unique 5-hole, par-3 “Loop” course.
Memberships to Awbrey Glen can be obtained by calling Barb Malcom at 541-385-6011.
