The history of footgolf on the next edition of the fifg newsletter - january 2015.
Role of Ambassador for the creator of FootGolf.
When people hear about FootGolf for the first time many have already visualized the sport, but there was one man responsible for the birth of the game that many of us have grown to love. The FIFG is pleased to announce Michael Jansen as the Creator of FootGolf and as a mark of respect have offered him the role of Ambassador. The man that truly lies behind the birth of FootGolf took the time to talk with us about the origins of the sport back in 2008. Michael, tell us about where you first thought of FootGolf and creating the concept of the sport?
“ The idea of Footgolf came to us (My business companion Bas Korsten and myself) while listening to his brother (footballer Willem Korsten) talk about a game he would play after practice with his team mates, which involved kicking the balls from the training field to the locker room in as few kicks as possible. This simple pastime is something that in different forms probably occurs around the world.
There are a number of variations of this game being played, although the link with golf is not a tough one to make, all the games played until 2009 were performed in empty fields. Although enjoyable in their own right, we felt that the basic premise behind these events could and should be taken to the next level, and in doing so became accepted as a sport, with a consistent playing field and standard holes. We also created an appropriate clothing style with acceptance from hosts (the golf courses and its golfers) but capture the spirit of the game as well”
And where did the inspiration for the clothing style come from?
“The FootGolf look is the result of combining practical considerations, such as freedom of movement and appropriate attire for being on a golf course, with the desire to embody the cheekiness of the sport in regard to its relation to golf:
How does it feel to know that people around the world have embraced FootGolf?
“It goes without saying that when you put so much time and effort into starting something new it is immensely gratifying and enjoyable to see it being picked up all around the world. As far as I’m concerned it’s much more difficult to maintain something than it is to start it”
What are your feelings on the future development of the sport?
“Having clear guidelines and standards is something every new sport has needed. FootGolf is no exception. An International controlling body is the only way to guarantee consistency, and this is the reason we founded the IFGA at the outset, which has more recently become the FIFG. I’ve had the privilege to meet and talk extensively with its Board of Directors, and I am sure that their guidance and vision will bring FootGoif the bright future we only dreamed of. I am therefore honored to be asked to be the FIFG Ambassador and look forward to seeing FootGolf become of age”.
Source: FIFG Newsletter-2013
When people hear about FootGolf for the first time many have already visualized the sport, but there was one man responsible for the birth of the game that many of us have grown to love. The FIFG is pleased to announce Michael Jansen as the Creator of FootGolf and as a mark of respect have offered him the role of Ambassador. The man that truly lies behind the birth of FootGolf took the time to talk with us about the origins of the sport back in 2008. Michael, tell us about where you first thought of FootGolf and creating the concept of the sport?
“ The idea of Footgolf came to us (My business companion Bas Korsten and myself) while listening to his brother (footballer Willem Korsten) talk about a game he would play after practice with his team mates, which involved kicking the balls from the training field to the locker room in as few kicks as possible. This simple pastime is something that in different forms probably occurs around the world.
There are a number of variations of this game being played, although the link with golf is not a tough one to make, all the games played until 2009 were performed in empty fields. Although enjoyable in their own right, we felt that the basic premise behind these events could and should be taken to the next level, and in doing so became accepted as a sport, with a consistent playing field and standard holes. We also created an appropriate clothing style with acceptance from hosts (the golf courses and its golfers) but capture the spirit of the game as well”
And where did the inspiration for the clothing style come from?
“The FootGolf look is the result of combining practical considerations, such as freedom of movement and appropriate attire for being on a golf course, with the desire to embody the cheekiness of the sport in regard to its relation to golf:
How does it feel to know that people around the world have embraced FootGolf?
“It goes without saying that when you put so much time and effort into starting something new it is immensely gratifying and enjoyable to see it being picked up all around the world. As far as I’m concerned it’s much more difficult to maintain something than it is to start it”
What are your feelings on the future development of the sport?
“Having clear guidelines and standards is something every new sport has needed. FootGolf is no exception. An International controlling body is the only way to guarantee consistency, and this is the reason we founded the IFGA at the outset, which has more recently become the FIFG. I’ve had the privilege to meet and talk extensively with its Board of Directors, and I am sure that their guidance and vision will bring FootGoif the bright future we only dreamed of. I am therefore honored to be asked to be the FIFG Ambassador and look forward to seeing FootGolf become of age”.
Source: FIFG Newsletter-2013
