FGAOE - Introduction to coaching FootGolf (Pilot)

Welcome to the introductory module of the Footgolf Association of England’s online coaching framework. Whether you are an experienced football coach, a PGA golf professional, or a passionate player looking to grow the game at the grassroots level, your journey to becoming a certified Footgolf coach starts here.

What is Footgolf?

When introducing people to our sport for the first time, they are often surprised by the sheer scale of the game. The easiest way to visualize it is simple:

"Think of playing golf with bigger holes, and only using your feet to kick the ball."

While we use a standard Size 5 football, we are not playing on a football pitch. We compete on traditional golf courses, navigating the same fairways, bunkers, trees, and hazards. However, instead of a tiny 4.25-inch golf cup, we are aiming for a regulation 21-inch (52 cm) Footgolf cup. The objective is identical to traditional golf: get the ball from the teeing zone into the hole in the fewest possible kicks.

Why This Course Matters

As the sport grows rapidly across the UK and internationally, the need for structured, high-quality coaching is more vital than ever.

This course has been developed in partnership with the Footgolf Association of England and designed by senior England and Great Britain internationals. Our goal is to give you a robust, easy-to-understand toolkit so you can confidently introduce players of all ages and abilities to the sport, safely and respectfully.

How This Pilot Works

We believe in progressing with small, manageable steps. This initial pilot module focuses on the absolute fundamentals of the sport. It is split into three brief sections:

1. Course Etiquette & Kit: Mastering the behaviours and standards required to keep our sport welcome at local clubs.

2. The Tee Shot: Analyzing physical mechanics using video examples (Video Clips Coming Soon!).

Section 1: Course Etiquette & Official Kit Requirements

As an FGAE certified coach, you are an ambassador for the sport. Because Footgolf shares facilities with traditional golf clubs, maintaining a high standard of behaviour and appearance is vital to keeping courses accessible to our players.

• All candidates must familiarize themselves with the current version of the FGAE Handbook regarding on-course conduct and  .

1. Course Etiquette (The Fundamentals)

• Code of Conduct on the course
  
  • No Smoking!
  • No Drugs!
  • No alcohol!
  • No abusive language!

• Respecting the Turf: Footgolfers must show the utmost respect for the golf course. Running across putting greens is strictly prohibited. When walking on the greens, players must take care not to scuff the surface or stand near the edge of the 21-inch cup, as the edges can crumble easily under weight.

• Pace of Play: Groups must keep up with the pace of the players ahead of them. If a group is falling behind or searching for a lost ball, they must wave the faster group behind them to "play through" to avoid congestion.

• Silence and Consideration: Traditional golf etiquette applies. When a player is preparing to kick, all other players must stand completely still, remain silent, and ensure they are not standing directly in the kicker's line of sight.

2. Official Kit Regulations (The Dress Code)

To maintain the professional look expected by golf clubs, the FGAE enforces a strict dress code at all official competitions. Coaches must ensure their students adhere to this before stepping onto the first tee:

• Approved Footwear: Flat-soled trainers, running shoes, or specialized astro-turf/molded turf shoes.

• Banned Footwear: Football boots with ANY studs (including plastic, rubber, or metal blades) are strictly banned as they destroy the golf turf.

• Approved Tops: Collared polo shirts (either short-sleeved or long-sleeved).

• Banned Tops: Traditional collarless football jerseys, tracksuits, or hoodies.

• Approved Bottoms: Tailored shorts, golf trousers, or sports skirts/skorts. (Denim jeans, swimming shorts, or loose gym shorts are banned).

• Socks: Traditional argyle (patterned) knee-high socks are encouraged and form part of the sport’s classic identity. No socks or low-cut ankle socks are allowed when wearing shorts during official play.

🔗 Coaching Prerequisite: Before moving on to the scenario challenge, please download and review the official rules and guidelines directly from the primary sources at FIFG & FGAoE websites.

Ready to test your knowledge?

Click the button below to complete the Module 1 Interactive Scenario Challenge and test your coaching instincts.

Take the Module 1 Scenario Challenge