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10 OUR YUCAIPA | SEPTEMBER 2014 By Stacey Parr How often does a new sport gain popularity? What was the last one? Quidditch? Well put away your broom sticks and get ready for FootGolf. Yucaipa Valley Golf Club is the only course in the Inland Empire that is offering FootGolf right now. Now you might be wondering, "What in the world is FootGolf?" According to the American FootGolf League, "FootGolf is a combination of the popular sports of soccer and golf. The game is played with a regulation #5 soccer ball on shortened holes with 21-inch diameter cups. The rules largely correspond to the rules of golf. FootGolf as a game is played throughout the world in many different forms, but as a sport, it is regulated by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG). The American FootGolf League (AFGL) is the exclusive member of the FIFG and governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States." How cool is it that we are fortunate enough to have this new sport in our city! I know Yucaipa has a huge soccer community and what an awesome thing to be able to take advantage of and try out. The kickoff for FootGolf is Aug. 30 at Yucaipa Valley Golf Course (YVGC) so it is now available to play. Brian Miano, the General Manager at YVGC, is exited to introduce this to our community. "We're making this sport affordable so that the whole family can play. From kids to seniors, there are no limitations as long as you can kick a soccer ball," said Miano. The only equipment needed is a size 5 soccer ball. If you don't have one, rental balls will be available. There are 18 FootGolf holes set up on the front 9 of the golf course and will take about 2 hours to complete a round. There are Par 3s which vary from 60-90 yards, Par 4s which vary from 120-150 yards, and Par 5's which vary from 180-220 yards. Of course I had to try out a hole. I love soccer and like golf so I thought this would be a perfect sport. I had a nice first kick but when I tried to lightly pass it into the hole I realized it was just like putting… the ground is not flat and you have to read the way the ball will go. Well, I did that a few more times and ended up with a bogey. Just like in golf, my short game needs some help. A fun twist to the sport is the opportunity to dress up. Typical wear is a flat (Hogan style) cap, collared shirt, golf style pants, knickers or shorts, knee high argyle socks and indoor or turf soccer shoes. Of course this isn't required, but who doesn't like dressing up? "The golf course is exploring all the options FootGolf offers. We're going to start out blocking out afternoon tee times just for this sport," said Miano. "It is perfect for fundraising, tournaments, or a corporate team building. It is also something that soccer teams can use for training to practice accuracy." You can like YVGC on Facebook and sign up to get email updates at www.yucaipavalleygolf.com. If you have any questions, you can contact Brian Miano at (909) 790-6522. If Mr. Golf and Mrs. Soccer had a baby, it would be named FootGolf