FootGolf is a combination of soccer and golf. It is played similar to golf, but with a regulation #5 soccer ball that must be kicked into a 21-inch sunken cup located near to — but not on — each golf green.
Many golf course operators across the country are hoping people will embrace FootGolf because it is simpler than golf and can be played faster. Strokes are counted just as in golf. The ball is played from the usual tee markers, and players must wear soft-soled shoes. No cleats are permitted.
Kittyhawk recommends players bring their own soccer ball and have it marked to differentiate it from others.
Kittyhawk golf pro Jana Dalton, who researched the FootGolf being played elsewhere, said golfers and FootGolfers can use the course at the same time.
“Who knows?” Dalton said. “It may be a flash in the pan, but I don’t think it is.”
Chip shots
• Piqua Country Club, now being managed by Honors Golf of Birmingham, Ala., will open Friday, according to interim general manager Ben Jones. Roderick “Roddy” Guest has been hired as golf professional, replacing longtime Piqua pro Mark Robart. Guest spent seven years at Scioto Country Club.
• Rob Fridley, head golf pro at Shelby Oaks Golf Course, advises that the 100-year-old Moose Club golf course isn’t the only one in Sidney celebrating a significant milestone this year. Shelby Oaks is in its 50th year.
• NCR Country Club has a fleet of 110 new electric Club Car golf carts.
• The biennial Dayton Amateur Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Sept. 27 at Kittyhawk Golf Center. The 2015 class has not yet been selected. Nomination forms are available in the municipal golf pro shops.
• Beavercreek Golf Club will host the Men’s Metropolitan Championship July 23-26 and Country Club of the North will be the site of the Dayton District Women’s Amateur June 22-26.
• The U.S. Open Sectional will be held at Springfield Country Club on June 8 and the U.S. Amateur Sectional returns to Dayton Country Club on July 13. The Ohio Amateur qualifier is May 26 at Miami Valley Golf Club and the U.S. Women’s Amateur qualifier is July 16 at Walnut Grove.
• Double amputee Dennis Walters will put on his golf trick shot show at Kittyhawk on May 13. Kittyhawk will host a Callaway Golf demonstration day May 19 and a Taylor Made-Adidas event June 2. Both are from 3-7 p.m.
• The 70th George Klockson Memorial Tournament, a two-man best ball amateur event, will be held at Community Golf Course on May 30. Entry fee is $130 per team. Proceeds go to the Dayton chapter of the Special Wish Foundation. Registration deadline is May 23.
• The City Men’s Match Play tournament will be held at Community Golf Course June 4-7. The Senior Men’s Match Play is July 16-19 at Kitttyhawk. The 72-hole Men’s Stroke Play event is Aug. 6-9 at Madden Golf Course, and the 36-hole Senior Men’s event is Aug. 6-7 at Madden.
• The Junior Stroke Play (ages 12-18) is June 19 at Kittyhawk.
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