Jackson Reid
FlingGolf is a new sport that combines lacrosse, Jai alai, and traditional golf. It is played with a FlingStick, which is used to hurl a standard golf ball. FlingGolf has been met with some resistance from traditional golfers, but it is growing in popularity, with over 2,000 courses in 35 countries offering it. The sport has been featured on national TV and has a competitive structure, with the World League FlingGolf launching in 2014. While some traditional golfers have been critical of FlingGolf, others have embraced it as a fun alternative that can be played alongside traditional golf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of courses | Over 2,000 courses in 35+ countries |
| Number of FlingSticks sold | Over 1,500 |
| Growth | Growing in popularity worldwide |
| Acceptance | Resistance from golfers and some golf courses |
| Competitive structure | World League FlingGolf |
| Equipment | Only requires a FlingStick and a golf ball |
| Pace of play | Faster than traditional golf |
| Rules | Simpler than traditional golf |
| Scoring | Similar to traditional golf |
| Distance | 100+ yards with some practice |
| Cost | $100+ |
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What You'll Learn
FlingGolf's growing popularity
FlingGolf is a new sport that has been growing in popularity worldwide. It is a combination of golf, lacrosse, Jai alai, and snowboarding. Instead of using a golf club, players use a FlingStick to hurl the ball and shape every shot from tee to hole. The sport can be played on any golf course and is said to be quick to start and fun to master.
The FlingStick was first prototyped in 2012 by van Alen, who designed it to fling the ball 200 yards to play alongside golfers on the course. The design has since evolved into the New Swarm FlingStick, which is now used at over 1,500 to 2,000 golf courses across 34 to 37 countries. The sport's growing popularity can be attributed to its accessibility, with players only needing one piece of equipment, the FlingStick, and a standard golf ball. The FlingStick is lightweight, weighing less than a pound, and is easy to use, with players reporting distances of over 100 yards within minutes of practice.
FlingGolf has gained a lot of attention, especially after being featured on National TV shows like Shark Tank in 2020/2021 and ESPN's coverage of the World League FlingGolf's New Swarm Classic. These appearances created a surge of interest in the sport, with its player base growing exponentially across the US and Canada. FlingGolf's competitive structure, with divisions and rankings, also contributes to its popularity, providing a platform for top players to showcase their talents.
Despite its growing popularity, FlingGolf still faces resistance from traditional golfers and golf courses. Some golfers view FlingGolf as taking away from the traditional game, while others embrace it as a fun and innovative alternative. The sport's reception has been mixed, with some courses embracing it and others prohibiting its use. However, FlingGolf continues to gain traction, with players appreciating its creativity, inclusivity, and the camaraderie it fosters among players.
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Resistance from golfers
Despite the growing popularity of FlingGolf, there is still resistance from traditional golfers. This resistance is similar to the challenges faced by snowboarding when it emerged alongside skiing.
Some golfers believe that FlingGolf is an easier game and that it takes the fun out of traditional golf. They are resistant to change and view FlingGolf as a threat to the traditions of the sport. This resistance is particularly strong in the UK, where FlingGolf's reception has been mixed.
FlingGolf is played with a single FlingStick, which is used to hurl the ball and shape every shot. It can be played on any golf course and is seamless with traditional golf, allowing players to play in the same foursome. However, some golf courses have prohibited the use of FlingGolf equipment, and some traditional golfers have expressed their disapproval of the sport.
There is also a perception that FlingGolfers play at a faster pace than traditional golfers, which can cause tension on the course. FlingGolfers may be seen as taking up tee time that could be used by traditional golfers, and their presence on the course may be viewed as disruptive to the traditional game.
Despite these challenges, FlingGolf continues to grow in popularity, with over 1,800 courses offering the sport worldwide. While there is resistance from some golfers, others have embraced the innovation and enjoyed the fun and accessibility that FlingGolf offers.
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FlingGolf's competitive structure
WLF competitions include individual and team formats. In individual competitions, players compete against each other for the lowest score on a golf course. In the team format, pairs of players compete in an 18-hole, alternate-shot format.
In addition to these formats, there is also a Longest FlingShot Championship, with competitors aiming to fling a golf ball further than anyone else to win the LFC Belt.
The WLF has held a number of smaller events to drive competitive play and grow its player base. In 2021, FlingGolf appeared on the TV show Shark Tank, which helped to significantly increase its popularity. The sport has also received national exposure through partnerships with media outlets like ESPN, which aired the World League FlingGolf’s New Swarm Classic.
In 2023, the WLF’s New Swarm Tour will feature 5 stops across the US, from San Diego to Virginia, attracting players of all skill levels and providing a platform for the best FlingGolf players in the world to showcase their talents.
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FlingGolf's reception in the UK
FlingGolf UK aims to bring something exciting and different to the UK sports scene. It is played on traditional golf courses but with a fresh approach, combining the skill, strategy, and speed of golf with the dynamic, fast-paced action of lacrosse. Players only need one piece of equipment—the FlingStick—and a golf ball or two. The game is simple, accessible, and welcoming to players of all ages and abilities, and can be played alongside regular golfers on the same course with no special adaptations or setups needed.
The concept of FlingGolf originated in the USA, when founder Alex van Alen and his brothers would play with lacrosse sticks and golf balls in their backyard. In 2012, van Alen began developing prototypes of the FlingStick, and the sport has since grown in popularity worldwide, with over 1500 golf courses now offering it.
Despite its growing popularity, FlingGolf has faced some resistance from traditional golfers in the UK, who view it as a challenge to the traditional game. However, many people who were initially skeptical have since become hooked on the sport, finding it quick to start and fun to master.
FlingGolf UK provides an opportunity for people to experience the outdoors and connect with others in a new and exciting way, offering a modern take on sports that anyone can enjoy.
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FlingGolf's ease of play
FlingGolf is a new sport that combines elements of golf, lacrosse, Jai alai, and snowboarding. It is played on any golf course using a single FlingStick, a lightweight thrower that can hurl the ball over 200 yards. The FlingStick is easy to use and allows players to shape every shot from tee to hole, making the game quick to start and fun to master.
One of the key advantages of FlingGolf is its simplicity. Players only need one piece of equipment, the FlingStick, and a standard golf ball. The FlingStick weighs less than a pound, making it very easy to play with. There are no handicaps in FlingGolf, and players can choose the tees they use and play within their fitness levels. The rules of FlingGolf are also much simpler than traditional golf, making it a more accessible game for beginners.
FlingGolfers tend to play quicker than traditional golfers, especially those who are new to the game. There are no practice swings, and the FlingStick's design allows for more accuracy in shots. FlingGolfers can even play alongside traditional golfers in the same foursome, as the two games can be played side by side. This makes it a great option for groups of friends or family members who may have varying interests or skill levels in traditional golf.
The FlingStick's design has evolved since its prototype in 2012, and it is now used at over 1,500-2,000 courses worldwide. The sport has gained a dedicated player base, with the World League FlingGolf launching in 2014 and featuring a full Tour schedule with divisions and rankings. FlingGolf's popularity continues to grow, with media coverage on platforms like ESPN and ABC's Shark Tank, helping to showcase the sport to a wider audience.
While FlingGolf has faced some resistance from traditional golfers and certain golf courses, it offers a fun, innovative, and accessible alternative to traditional golf. It provides a new challenge for golfers and non-golfers alike, and its ease of play makes it a great option for those looking to try something new on the course.
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Frequently asked questions
FlingGolf is a new sport that combines lacrosse, Jai alai, and traditional golf. Instead of using a club, players use a FlingStick to hurl the ball. It can be played alongside golfers on any course.
FlingGolf is a quickly growing sport, with over 2,000 courses in 35 countries offering it. It was showcased on National TV in the US in 2020 and 2021, which caused its player base to skyrocket. However, there is still resistance from the golfing world, with some courses prohibiting it.
A FlingStick is a type of golf club that can be used to hurl the ball over 200 yards. There are different types of FlingSticks, such as the Launch, the Stinger, and the Ballistick, which vary in price and performance.
FlingGolf is similar to traditional golf in that the goal is to get the ball into the hole in as few shots as possible. However, there are no handicaps in FlingGolf except for fitness levels. Players can use a full shot, which is like a javelin/lacrosse-style fling, or a sidecar (underarm scoop) for more precision.
FlingGolf is popular because it is easy to learn, fun to master, and can be played alongside traditional golfers. It is also more inclusive, as it does not require expensive equipment or prior experience.
