Arturo Barragan is a favorite for the 4th Stop on the FootGolf Cup of Nations US Pro-Am Tour at Haggin Oaks August 14-16, 2015
As the FootGolf cup of Nations approaches Danielle Thompson from Morton Golf had the opportunity to interview local FootGolf player, Arturo Barragin regarding the upcoming tournament. A soccer trainer originally from Oakland, CA Arturo has already qualified for the FootGolf World Cup 2016 in Argentina. Growing up playing select soccer in the bay area he was able to travel to Europe with his team at the age of 15. He continued to play competitively until he went away to college to play at California State University Chico. Playing only for one year before he signed for the American Soccer team, the Chico Rooks. He played nationally for 5 years with the Chico Rooks. It did not take long for the this soccer star to get hooked on FootGolf.
Danielle: When did you start playing FootGolf?
Arturo: In July 2013, I played at Haggin Oaks and shot 7 under during the practice round of the California FootGolf Challenge. That tournament I was able to tie for 4th place shooting 5 under par. FootGolf was the next big thing to happen in my life after my children being born. I love to be able to play with soccer friends and family.
D: How was the transition from Soccer to FootGolf?
A: The physical part was a little more difficult to get use to. In soccer you don’t strike the ball 70-80 times as hard as you can. My body wasn’t use to kicking 70-80 long shots in a few hours. It has enlightened me on how to take care of my body.
D: How often do you play? How do you prepare for the tournaments?
A: I play 7 days a week. My FootGolf practice consists of different soccer drills and putting from 20-30 feet with different breaks. It is very similar to regular golf in that putting is a huge and can make or break your game. The short game is the most difficult part, so I focus on it the most.
D: Have you had a hole in one before? How often?
A: Six total in 10 months. I just had one while on the phone with you. Great question! I don’t get them as often as I would like. The first one took me 7-8 months to get one. One every two months.
D: What’s your favorite course?
A: St. Lucie Trail in Port St Lucie, FL. It was the second stop on the FootGolf Pro-Am Tour and was in pristine condition offering challenging distances for shot selection. Soccer players dream of open pastures in that good of condition.
D: What do you look for in a FootGolf course?
A: The different shot selections. It usually takes me a few times playing a course to appreciate it. One of the funny things we have going with our group of friends is that we call ourselves ‘Fo Sho Birdies.’ We should be getting birdies on every single hole on every single golf course to be a good FootGolfer.
D: Do you think Sacramento is a good area for FootGolf?
A: Yes! It’s a mecca with 8-9 courses very close together. What more could you want? We are able to play different terrains and grass all challenging. You must keep your mind moving and thinking about the next shot.
D: Where has the emerging sport FootGolf taken you?
A: It has promoted better health not just physical but mental health as well. I was the regional course designer for the Foothill 9 hole FootGolf course. Given the opportunity to design the lay out of a FootGolf course I want to be able to master it. FootGolf has made me really focus on my mental health and how to properly take care of my body. It is important to stay hydrated and eat proper fruits that give you enough energy to get me through the round. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to play at a high level. I get to represent my country in the FootGolf World Cup 2016 in Argentina.
D: Have you made any of the other stops on the FootGolf Pro-Am Tour?
A: Yes, all four. We are headed to Tacoma for a family vacation before the kids start school. I will also be competing at Haggin Oaks.
D: Who is your main competition coming into the FootGolf Pro-Am Tour at Haggin Oaks?
A: Being local we have our own community that play together very often. I will be playing against my good friends and relatives. On any given day anyone can win so we will see who wins.
D: What does the FootGolf Cup of Nations mean to you?
A: Haggin Oaks is one of my home FootGolf course. It’s been fun to be apart of this experience. Come Sunday I want to be standing on the podium holding a trophy.We want to make Sacramento proud and keep the winning title here! Come out and support us.
The FootGolf Cup of the Nations at Haggin Oaks is a multicultural tournament that welcomes players from all countries, cultures and backgrounds to represent themselves along with their countries and organizations, sport or social clubs, companies, businesses, etc. The FootGolf Cup of the Nations is coming to Haggin Oaks on August 14 – 16, 2015.
Think you have what it takes to qualify for the Argentina 2016 FootGolf World Cup? Click HERE to register as a player in the FootGolf Cup of the Nations.
PLAYERS
The tournament is open to all FootGolfers. Divisions, classes or flights may be established within the competition. Each player will be required to pay the posted entry fee in advance in order to be entered in the competition. Entries may be accepted up to the start of play based on availability. Players are required to wear appropriate attire at all times and bring their own ball.
Click HERE to register as a player in the FootGolf Cup of the Nations.
PLAYER BENEFITS
Each player will receive the following:
- Tournament Entry
- Golf cart use (shared)
- Player gift package
- Player Credential
- Invitation for (player) Opening Night Party
- Invitation for (player) to the Awards Party
- Lunch and Hospitality Area after play (player)
- Awards and Prizes
- Preferred rate at Host Hotel
PRACTICE
Practice on the tournament course will be allowed on Day 1 (limited). Players may sign up for starting times at Registration. No practice of any kind is allowed on course during Day 2 and Day 3.
COMPETITION
The competition shall include 2 rounds of play. Each player will be paired into a group by the Tournament Committee on the first day and by scoring on the second day. Each group shall consist of up to 4 players. Format of Play: Stroke Play. Players will be grouped together in foursomes but will play as individuals. No pairing request will be offered as there is a cash purse for the top scores. A multi category competition will be conducted. Caddies are not permitted.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
Tournament will offer a cash purse of US $17,500 as well as other trophies and awards.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Day 1 – August 14, 2015
- Player Registration 2:00 pm
- Practice Rounds 3:00 pm
- Opening Night Party 7:00 pm
Day 2 – August 15, 2015
- First Round of Competition
- Kick Off 10:00 am
- Lunch and Hospitality area open 12:30 pm
- Announcement of Leaders 1:30 pm
Evening: Open
Day 3 – August 16, 2015
- Final Round of Competitions
- Kick Off 10:00 am
- Lunch and Hospitality area open 12:30 pm
Scoring - Awards Ceremony Immediately Following
- Closing Ceremonies 2:00 pm
** All Times are approximate and may vary depending on pace of play, weather and scoring time.
SPECTATORS
Spectators will be permitted on course to observe the competition. There is no charge for admission at this point. Spectators are not permitted to ride in golf carts at any time and are not allowed to communicate with players on the course. Food & Beverage will be available for purchase at the facility. Spectators are invited to participate in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at an extra charge.
Click HERE to download your FREE ticket to the FootGolf Cup of the Nations at Haggin Oaks.
IMPORTANT
The US Pro-Am FootGolf Tour 2015 will be open to any US player with valid registration and to players from countries where the Federation for International FootGolf has no member representative. In this case, players will represent themselves, not a country.
As an active member of the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG), the American FootGolf League will require all players from countries where the FIFG is present, to be affiliated with their FIFG Member in order to represent and participate for that country.
Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is located at 3645 Fulton Ave in Sacramento, CA.
