Inaugural Jefferson City footgolf tournament slated for August

Evan McCullough, 12, left, and Dylan Bryan, 14, demonstrate a round of footgolf Monday at Oak Hills Golf Center. Footgolf is a mash-up of soccer and golf, where participants try to kick soccer balls into a hole in as few shots as possible. United Capital City Soccer and the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will host a footgolf tournament  
7 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 3 at the golf center.
Evan McCullough, 12, left, and Dylan Bryan, 14, demonstrate a round of footgolf Monday at Oak Hills Golf Center. Footgolf is a mash-up of soccer and golf, where participants try to kick soccer balls into a hole in as few shots as possible. United Capital City Soccer and the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will host a footgolf tournament 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 3 at the golf center.

Jefferson City residents can now enjoy qualities of golf and soccer at the Oak Hills Golf Course every Sunday and during the inaugural footgolf tournament next month.

United Capital City Soccer and the Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will host a footgolf tournament 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 3 at Oak Hills Golf Center, 932 Ellis Blvd.

Footgolf is a mash-up of soccer and golf, where participants try to kick soccer balls into cups in as few shots as possible.

"It's been in other cities, and it's just one of those things where I was looking for things for the club that would be new and different and a good way to get people together," UCC President Tom Chapman said.

Tournament registration costs $25 per person for 18 holes or $16 per person for nine holes, according to United Capital City Soccer's website.

Teams must consist of two to four players.

Those interested must register by Aug. 1 at tinyurl.com/footgolf2019. They can also register the day of the event but only if there are open spots, Chapman said.

Proceeds will go to the Parks Department, United Capital City Soccer and high school soccer teams at Capital City High School, Helias Catholic High School and Jefferson City High School, Chapman said.

There will also be concessions at the tournament.

The Parks Department started offering footgolf in June, said Stephanie Bruemmer, Oak Hills Golf Course program manager.

"Soccer is really big in Jefferson City, and we're trying to get something for soccer players to do and get them to see the golf course," she said.

At 5 p.m. Sundays, people can play on a par 36 footgolf course at Oak Hills Golf Center.

Participants can pay $9 if they are walking or $16 if they want to use a golf cart, Bruemmer said. They can also rent size 5 soccer balls for $3 each or bring their own.

Soccer and football cleats are not allowed, Bruemmer said, adding participants can wear tennis shoes.

The footgolf holes are on the golf fairways, not the greens, Bruemmer added.

Those wishing to schedule a tee time or footgolf tournament should call 573-634-6532.

The exact origins of footgolf are unclear but can be traced back as early as 2001, according to the American FootGolf League.