The holes are getting bigger

Sam and Alex Verhagen make the first successful 'putts' on Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links new FootGolf course. 131288 Picture: JARROD POTTER

CARDINIA Beaconhills Golf Links has the only Victorian fairways where you may prefer to have Tim Cahill teeing off for you instead of Adam Scott.
The club has dug nine new holes on the Lakes Course, but they’ll be a little big for your average golf ball and instead favour a newly introduced sport to the state – FootGolf.
Part soccer, part golf – FootGolf has been around for the better part of a decade and has become ragingly popular throughout Europe.
Replace your golf clubs with a soccer ball and a hefty kick and you get a pretty good idea of what it takes to excel at the code, with power kicking and delicate footwork alike both important to getting around the course.
Cardinia Beaconhills club captain Les Richards and the Verhaghen family – Geoff, Jenni, Sam and Alex – kicked open the course on Sunday afternoon and a demo area proved popular with young up-and-coming golfers and footgolfers alike.
Club Manager Fiza Errington said the club was proud to bring FootGolf to Victoria and thought the initiative would be a great way to get active and have fun.
“We’re looking at initiatives and fun ways to get more people up at the golf club and FootGolf is a great sport to include golf and another sport – soccer,” Errington said.
“We are the first in Victoria and third nation-wide and I think it appeals to a lot of different demographics, but particularly the younger people to help get them up to the club.
“It’s great and fantastic for those who are time poor, just a fun sport to play with your mates and family.”
A round takes about an hour to complete and all you need is a pair of runners – no footy boots – and you can bring your own ball if you prefer.
For more information on the club’s Golf2020 memberships – for 20 rounds of golf and 20 rounds of FootGolf – or to set up a round, contact 5945 9210 or info@beaconhillsgolf.com.au