Lilli Bewley is a favorite for the 4th Stop on the FootGolf Cup of Nations US Pro-Am Tour at Haggin Oaks August 14-16, 2015
Recently, Danielle Thompson with Morton Golf sat down with Lilli Bewley to learn about how she got started with the sport FootGolf and what this emerging sport means to her. She is ranked the number one woman player in FootGolf in the world. Lilli was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where she started to play soccer at an early age and where she developed her love of the game. Playing competitively for years, it was naturally the next step to play at the collegiate level. She was lucky enough to play at Ross College. She eventually moved her focus to teaching and mentoring younger players because of many injuries she suffered throughout her playing career.  Although she still loved soccer more than anything, her body was telling her it was best to take a break.
Lilli was first introduced to FootGolf at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento with the California FootGolf Challenge on July 14, 2013. Signing up as foursome, Lilli had no idea that her love for soccer would soon evolve into a new game called FootGolf. Having played competitive soccer for years, it’s no wonder Lilli has made FootGolf a major part of her life since her injuries weren’t getting in the way. Being a social person and wanting to find more players like her, Lilli formed a club called California FootGolf. The club was formed to meet new people, play in FootGolf leagues and help local charities raise money.
During Danielle’s interview, she asked Lilli for her insights into FootGolf as a leading player in the sport.
Danielle: How often do you practice?
Lilli: I do cardio and weight training 2-3 times a week and play 2-3 times as well.
D: How was the transition from soccer to FootGolf?
L: For me, it was a natural transition. I still love the soccer but physical elements don’t allow me to compete. FootGolf was a great fit because it utilizes all of my soccer skills and allows me to compete. At the highly competitive level, I still train every day and really hone in on the “FootGolf” touch.
D: What is your favorite part of FootGolf?
L: The outfits and level of competition
D: What is your favorite FootGolf course? Why?
L: St. Lucie Trail in Port St Lucie, FL. Very technical course with water and challenging.
D: What are you looking forward to during the FootGolf Cup of Nations at Haggin Oaks?
L: The level of play is very competitive and I can’t wait to compete against players from around the world. I think it will show credibility of the sport as a whole and hopefully get rid of the negative connotations.
D: Have you competed in any other stops during the FootGolf Cup of Nations tournament?
L: Yes, I competed in one stop in 2014 and will compete in all four in 2015. In Miami, it was such a great experience and I was able to walk away with both Women’s titles. I feel gratitude each day to have the ability to do this.
D: Who is your main competition during the FootGolf Cup of Nations at Haggin Oaks?
L: I sometimes compete with another California FootGolf Club member, Jessica Hewins. I’m not sure of her intentions, though, of competing in the Cup of Nations.
D: Is Sacramento a good area for FootGolf?
L: Yes, Sacramento is a very unique area being that there are 9 FootGolf courses within a 30 mile radius.
D: How can people sign up for the California FootGolf Club?
L: We have a yearly membership that offers discounts and gifts at local golf courses and we have Spring, Summer, and Fall leagues. There’s something for everyone at every level. It’s always a great time. Click HERE to sign up.
D: What is your favorite FootGolf hole on any course you’ve played?
L: Any hole I can make a hole in one on!
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 â 16, 2015.
Think you have what it takes to qualify for the Argentina 2016 FootGolf World Cup? Click HEREÂ 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 â August 14, 2015
- Player Registration 2:00 pm
- Practice Rounds 3:00 pm
- Opening Night Party 7:00 pm
Day 2 â 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 â 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.
