Off the pitch and onto the green - 30th July 2020

Footgolf, as the name suggests, is a new sport combining football and golf, which is taking off around the world and, in particular, in Malaysia.

Jeffrey Cottam founded Footgolf Malaysia.

Jeffrey: “The only difference between golf and footgolf is that the hole is 21 inches (wide) and we use a size five football and your legs are your clubs.”

Now played in about 36 countries, the earliest recorded Footgolf tournaments took place in the Netherlands in 2008, although how the game itself emerged remains unclear.

It reached Malaysia in 2018, where each month some 2000 people now play a round, including Jamiatul who has recently taken up the sport.

Jamiatu: “I think for those who know how to use their capabilities and skills, I think you can manage even though this is your first time playing footgolf.”

Golf has been losing its appeal in many countries, with few young people having the time or money to play.

Struggling golf courses are hoping that Footgolf will provide an additional income stream. In the US it can now be played on more than 500 courses.

With the Footgolf World Cup delayed until 2021, there's plenty of time for new players to get into shape for the next international competition.