Footgolf comes to Escondido’s Reidy Creek

What enthusiasts insist is a rapidly growing sport in San Diego County has come to Escondido’s Reidy Creek golf course.

“Footgolf” combines soccer with golf. The rules of golf apply, but instead of hitting a small ball with a club, participants use their feet to kick a soccer ball toward a specially constructed green containing a 21-inch hole.

The course is laid out adjacent to the regular front nine, but typically off to the left and far enough away that soccer balls aren’t flying on to fairways and greens, said Erik Agnew, head golf professional at Reidy Creek, which is owned by the city but managed by JC Golf.

“We saw an opportunity here,” Agnew said, referencing the popularity of soccer in San Diego County. “It seemed like a great opportunity to drive another revenue stream and introduce new people to the the game of golf and footgolf.”

The footgolf course opened with little fanfare almost two months ago but a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday. The course is at 2300 N. Broadway in the northern part of the city.

Part of the game’s popularity might be due to price, which is a fraction of what it costs to play regular golf. A nine-hole round of footgolf runs $12, while 18 holes will cost $17. Both prices include the rental of an official soccer ball, although players are free to use their own.

“It’s something new we’re trying out and were already getting a pretty good feedback from it,” Agnew said.

He said players tee off from a designated tee box, and use many of the same strategies in traditional golf. The green is typically a 10- by 12-foot circumference and the cup is easy to spot.

“Players size up the fairway, where the hole location is, and then kick a ball and try to get it in the hole in as few strokes as possible — all done with the foot,” Agnew said. “You putt it in by tapping it.”

Reidy Creek becomes the eighth footgolf course in the county. Others can be found at the Lawrence Welk Resort north of Escondido, at Rancho Carlsbad, in National City, at Balboa Park, at Tecolote Canyon, Mission Bay and Sun Valley in La Mesa.

Mayor Sam Abed will cut the ribbon at Saturday’s ceremony, and two-for -one specials will be offered all morning.