CHARLESTON, S.C. â The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), the leading authority on golf course ownership and management, has recognized the American FootGolf League (AFGL) as the âGoverning Body for the Sport of FootGolf in the U.S.â and itâs âOfficial FootGolf Organization,â announced Mike Tinkey, deputy CEO of NGCOA.
âFootGolf, as promoted by the AFGL, under the rules and guidelines of the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG), is a proven revenue generator for golf course operators in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and is growing worldwide,â said Tinkey. âIt has taken off virally and the number of FootGolf courses is growing rapidly as it brings in new customers and new revenue. Facilities are reporting they are seeing more millennials, women, children and young families after introducing FootGolf.
âGolf course owners/operators in Canada and Michigan have recognized FootGolf as the âIdea of the Yearâ at their respective conferences in 2013 and 2014,â added Tinkey. âIt has been well received at the NGCOA Annual Conferences in 2014 and 2015 and at the NGCOA Multicourse Leadership Retreat in 2014, as well as at chapter meetings. Weâve seen FootGolf embraced by single and multicourse companies alike so this designation is a natural fit.â
FootGolf has quickly spread across the United States since its introduction here in 2011. The AFGL, the official governing body for the fast-growing sport of FootGolf in the U.S., has sanctioned hundreds of courses in nearly every state.
âOur relationship with the NGCOA further validates the sport of FootGolf and the role of the AFGL in growing it in the United States,â said Roberto Balestrini, who along with his wife, Laura, introduced FootGolf in North America. âWeâve got great relationships with many of the leading golf course operators already and look forward to continuing to expand and introduce FootGolf to new golf facilities in 2015. â
A combination of golf and soccer played with a regulation soccer ball on a shortened golf course, FootGolf is played much like golf, with the goal being to get the soccer ball into a 21-inch hole with as few kicks as possible. It is played on golf courses with the 18 holes located away from the golf putting surfaces.
As the âOfficial FootGolf Organization,â AFGL will provide NGCOA members with special benefits. In return, the NGCOA will offer its endorsement to the AFGL and promote the organization to its membership.
For more information on FootGolf and the AFGL, visit www.footgolf.net.
About the NGCOA
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents key decision-makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information, visit www.ngcoa.org or call 1-800-933-4262.
