Footgolf, a sport that cleverly merges the power of football with the precision of golf, is gaining momentum in Zimbabwe. The game involves kicking a football across a golf course, aiming for a large hole, and the player who gets the ball into the hole with the fewest kicks wins. This unique combination captures the essence of footgolf, which takes its name from the words “foot” (from football) and “golf.”
The concept of footgolf began to take shape in Zimbabwe around 2022, following the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Enthusiasts of the sport saw an opportunity to utilize existing golf courses, such as Sherwood in Harare, to host both traditional golf and footgolf events. This initiative helped lay the foundation for the growth of the sport in the country.
In recognition of its potential, the Zimbabwe Footgolf Association (ZFGA) was officially acknowledged by the Federation of International FootGolf (FIFG) last year. This milestone allowed Zimbabwe to compete on the international stage. The ZFGA made its debut in South Africa, where it faced challenges but gained valuable experience. Later this year, the association participated in a tournament in Zambia, securing second place behind South Africa.
As footgolf continues to gain popularity within Zimbabwe, domestic tournaments are becoming more frequent. A recent example is the Mvurwi Mashonaland Central Patron’s Footgolf Tournament, held on May 25, which even attracted participation from a Zambian player. Despite this progress, the sport still faces several challenges, primarily related to limited media coverage and funding.
Daniel Kuwengwa, president of the ZFGA, highlighted these issues during an interview with the Sports Hub. He stated that the lack of media coverage has contributed to the perception that footgolf is not popular. “The media doesn’t cover footgolf like it does other sports,” he said. Additionally, funding remains a major hurdle for many sports in Zimbabwe.
However, the ZFGA has managed to secure support from various local sponsors. Dronisport has been instrumental in supporting capacity development workshops nationwide by covering transport and accommodation costs. Zimnat sponsored the Gweru tournament last October, while Say-What has supported events in Harare for two consecutive years. Remembrance has assisted the Midlands region, and Sherwood Golf Club has provided a dedicated footgolf course.
The ZFGA is committed to making footgolf accessible to everyone, from grassroots levels to national competitions, ensuring no discrimination. This vision is being implemented through partnerships with the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) and the National Association of School Heads (NASH). Since 2024, footgolf has been introduced in various schools, with the goal of integrating the sport into all primary schools by the end of 2025. Full competitive participation is expected by 2026.
Kuwengwa explained that 2025 will be a key year for capacity building, focusing on training programs. By 2026, competitions will commence across all NAPH districts. Zimbabwe is set to host a five-day international tournament in November. Leading up to this event, several local competitions are scheduled, including provincial tournaments on July 26th, a national tournament from August 20th to 21st in Bulawayo at Harry Allen Golf Club, which will serve as the final qualifier for the November 20th to 25th tournament in Victoria Falls.
With its unique blend of athleticism and strategy, footgolf is steadily making its mark on the Zimbabwean sporting landscape. As the sport continues to grow, it is clear that the future of footgolf in Zimbabwe looks promising.
