Sharjah gears up to host region’s first Footgolf tournament

The Professional Footgolf tournament will witness some of the world's best players travelling to the emirate from across the globe to participate. The event will bring together over 140 players from more than 20 different nationalities to take on the challenging course.

Organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority (SCTDA) in partnership with Sharjah Sports Council and Professional Footgolf Tour, the Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will host the world's top footgolf players, with both men and women competing for cash purses over a two-day competition, utilising an 18-hole, stroke-play format.

The tournament will have four players per group, teeing off every six minutes. Players will compete across two days, vying for more than $40,000 in total prize money. The event is also open to amateur footgolf players based in the UAE with a prize fund of $1,500 up for grabs, with these players eligible for the overall fund.

While Footgolf tournaments have taken place all over the world to date, the Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament will be the first of its kind within the GCC.

"We're thrilled to be bringing the region's first footgolf tournament to Sharjah. We have a line-up of world-class footgolf players flying in from all over the world, and we're excited to show them the beauty of the UAE and everything Sharjah has to offer," said Dan Ferretti, Co-Chairman of the Professional Footgolf Tour.

He added, "While there are some immaculate golf courses across the UAE, there have been no true footgolf courses built, and so not everyone is familiar with the sport. We're hoping to change that with the launch of Professional Footgolf Tour events across the region, that will ultimately leave a legacy for players of all ages and skill levels to experience the sport and get themselves playing in one of our elite events."

Combining golf and football, footgolf has become a global phenomenon in recent years. Requiring little equipment, skilled players utilise precision and foot control to kick the football into specially designed large holes on an eighteen-hole course. Footgolf can be played on a regular golf course and is one of the fastest-growing sports in golf communities.

Footgolf uses a regulation size five football and a hole big enough to accommodate one. Unlike regular golf, if a shot goes astray, players can detect the ball easily and play move on swiftly. However, like regular golf, there are hazards — and the difference often comes down to putting.

Following the two-day tournament, a family-friendly footgolf course will be installed at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, "The Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament further emphasises the efforts being made in Sharjah to enhance the emirate's position as a premier tourist destination. We are delighted to welcome worldwide professional footgolf players to Sharjah next month. We look forward to inviting these players to enjoy the emirate's rich history, geography, nature, culture, heritage, archaeology, and arts."

The SCTDA continues to launch various initiatives to support the activities of the tourism sector in Sharjah, which include strengthening its partnerships with the private and public sectors as well as local and international entities to enhance the overall tourism experience within the emirate.

Registration is now open, with limited spaces for UAE citizens and residents to participate in the Sharjah International Footgolf Tournament.