Holes for goals: Footgolf makes its debut in China
The hybrid sport combines soccer skills with the rules of golf and Mission Hills wants to lead the way in spreading its popularity
Golfers may think it's a joke and footballers a walk in the park, but the new sport of footgolf is gaining a foothold in China.
This trial event is just the start of a commitment to the sport that will see us launch a domestic league and stage international events
Legendary Jack Nicklaus may cringe at the thought of his signature World Cup course at Mission Hills being dug up to play the hybrid game, but the world's largest golf club is backing footgolf as a game of the future.
The group's vice-chairman, Tenniel Chu, believes the game provides "an ultimate all-in-one playground for everyone" and they plan to set up a league and host international tournaments - encouraged by the overwhelming demand for a trial event they held two weeks ago.
The origins of the sport are unclear but the rules are simple - kick a football into a big hole.
Sounds easy, but there is more skill to it than that, say the players.
"You need a range of kicks and skills in your repertoire," they say, including the ability to spin the ball, chip it, play around trees, out of bunkers, over water, blast it long distances, judge the wind, he pace and direction and be able to "putt" with the foot.