The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the American FootGolf Federation to launch a new pilot program at Candler Park Golf Course this summer, aligning with the FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta. The initiative will introduce footgolf, a hybrid sport combining elements of soccer and golf, as a new recreational option for local residents.
The footgolf course at Candler Park joins a growing list of sites supported by the American FootGolf Federation, which continues to expand the sport nationwide. The foundation was established in 2011 by Laura and Roberta Balestrini, inspired by a footgolf league that originated in Argentina. Laura Balestrini said the new course in Atlanta creates another avenue for players to discover the sport and for the foundation to reach a broader audience.
“Atlanta really is a city that is well set up for footgolf,” Balestrini said. “We were excited when they [The Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation Foundation] called us and were interested in bringing the program in, and with the World Cup being in Atlanta, it aligned very well. They definitely have a great opportunity to get some good exposure for it. I mean Atlanta truly does have a big soccer community.”
Kelsey Brown, Operations Manager at Candler Park, believes the program supports Atlanta’s broader goal of expanding access to recreational facilities. He explains the program helps the city use its facilities more effectively and draw more residents to the park.
“Having this program at Candler Park is definitely reflective of Atlanta’s commitment to wellness,” Brown said. “I think the thing that is most inviting about the opportunity is that it is a chance for communities to merge. It allows you to get people involved from all over.”
Although the program has not yet announced an official start date, Keith Fleming, Senior Management Analyst for the City of Atlanta, said it is expected to open in late May or early July, with updates posted on the city’s website. Flemming believes the program will resonate with local families and players due to footgolf’s accessibility for players of all ages and skill levels.
“I truly believe that footgolf will attract or at least appeal to a wide demographic,” Fleming said. “You are pretty much just kicking a soccer ball, which doesn’t take much skill or equipment to do. It makes it something that most everyone can participate in.”
Brown agreed, noting that footgolf has the potential to connect groups across the community.
“One thing that I really enjoy about footgolf is that it can bridge the gap between people and all of the different demographics,” Brown said. “It is very inviting. It is cool, and it is fun in a way that provides an easy way for people to connect.”
The footgolf course is laid out alongside the existing Candler Parks golf course, positioned so it doesn’t interfere with regular play. Brown said the park is taking precautions to ensure the greens remain protected and unobstructed.
“One of the biggest things that we are doing is not allowing cleats,” Brown said. “We are going to be very in line and seeking daily checks and structures since we will have that extra foot traffic to make sure that there won’t be harm to the course. We are also going to make sure we are staying up on our mowing, seeding, sodding, water schedules and all the things that impact the quality of the grass.”
Although it is branded as a pilot program, Brown has hopes of footgolf continuing beyond the World Cup.
“I think it actually has a big possibility and outlook of what we’re going to push beyond when the World Cup is in Atlanta,” Brown said. “Of course, we initially are just going to be testing the waters and seeing how it goes, but after that I really think our plans are geared to how we can keep this aspect here and keep people engaged.”
Junior soccer player Ari Brownlee believes the program has the potential to be a huge success.
“I think that it is such a cool new concept that they are introducing here,” Brownlee said. “If they can attract the right audience, then I think it really could gain a lot of traction. Soccer is continuing to grow, and footgolf has the potential to grow right alongside it.”
As footgolf begins to take root in Atlanta, Brown said he is excited to see how the sport will transform the city.
“If I could describe footgolf at Candler Park in one word, it would be tomorrow,” Brown said. “This is one of those innovative times where we are able to find a multi-use for a plot of land. This is just a portion of tomorrow that Atlanta has the opportunity to be involved in. I’m just super excited to see where this goes and how it will bring so many communities and demographics together.”
