Clive Thabo Dube
YEAR after year, large sums of investment in the field of sport brings about distinctive discoveries to the fold and a new sporting discipline called Foot Golf, a fusion of soccer and traditional golf has entered Zimbabwe’s sporting scene.
Football is by far the most followed sport in the whole wide world and golf is ranked the number one elite sport. Combining the two, projects a costly endeavor which can plateau. But the country’s fewer golf courses may impede on its growth.
The Zimbabwe Foot Golf Association (ZFGA) interim president Daniel Kuwengwa, said the discipline has shown tremendous potential of success since it’s inception last year November.
“In the 5 month’s we have started the roll out programme we have received massive support from the people that have attended our Training, Induction and Awareness programmes. We have seen great potential in the sport as we have adopted and adapted it to be playing in all the urban and rural areas of the country.” He said.
The sport is modeled after golf with rules alike, etiquette and dress code (polo shirts, golf pants or shorts, indoor or turf soccer shoes and knee high argyle socks). It’s played on golf courses with shorter holes and 21 cups cut away from the greens. The courses are however installed on empty land or parks in a few countries with no golf courses, where enthusiasts can gain permission to pursue their new passion.
The object of the game is to get the ball into the hole with as few kicks as possible.
In the spirit of the development and growth of the sport throughout the country, ZFGA is currently conducting an Administration Level One Course. To encourage sports enthusiasts to get involved in Foot Golf which is rapidly gaining popularity globally.
“Our target is to be in all the 70+ districts of the country. To date we have had Introductory workshops and awareness programmes in 26 Districts to include Beitbridge, Gwanda, Bulilima, Mangwe, Insiza, Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Gweru, Kwekwe, Gokwe, Chiredzi, Masvingo, Jerera, Mutasa, Nyanga, Mutare, Mutoko, Chikomba, Makonde, Guruve, Mbire, Shamva, Mt Darwin, Bindura, Hwange, Bulawayo, Harare and many others.” He added.
Kuwengwa said the new popular sport is a good way to generate revenue and be a source of employment.
“Sport is a contributor to Socio-economic development of a country. Sporting disciplines like Foot golf and many others that are international are opening opportunities for our sports people worldwide. On the basis that our O Level pass rate as a country is 26% leaving about 74% with out 5 O Levels and better the sport industry can be a source of employment to the 74% who may not be in formal employment where 5 O Levels is a prerequisite.”
As of yet the Foot Golf is not registered with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), but according to the ZFGA President, the country’s sport governing body has been guiding the association since day and being formally registered is only a matter of time.
Zim GBC Sport News©2023