The club is introducing the hybrid sport through an open house and the FootGolf Open, which includes a round, a complimentary lunch, hats and prizes. FootGolf is played using a regulation No. 5 soccer ball on a 9- or 18-hole golf course with 21-inch-wide, 14-inch deep holes that are marked with red flags.

A new hybrid sport called FootGolf will kick off at Largo (Fla.) Golf Club this weekend, the Tampa Bay (Fla.) Times reported.

“It’s like the game of golf, only played with a soccer ball,” said Jason Wilson, the golf course’s supervisor. “It’s pretty exciting. We’re the eighth certified FootGolf course in the nation, the second in Florida and first in Tampa Bay.”

The game is played using a regulation No. 5 soccer ball on a golf course where 21-inch diameter holes, 14 inches deep, have been carved into the turf. Players tee off and aim for the holes marked with red flags, kicking their way through the 9- or 18-hole course with as few shots as possible. The lowest score wins, the Times reported.

On October 5, the golf course will host its inaugural FootGolf Open House. Beginning at 1 p.m., all are invited to “walk the course and kick the ball around.” The event is free and includes music, complimentary food and drinks, and giveaways. Participants are encouraged to bring their own soccer ball, as loaners will be available on a limited basis, the Times reported.

Then at 4 p.m., those who have preregistered to play in Sunday’s Tampa Bay FootGolf Open, a game sanctioned by the Florida FootGolf Association and the American FootGolf League, can play a practice round, the Times reported.

On Sunday, registration for the Open begins at 11:30 a.m. with tee off at 1 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 4 p.m. The tournament is limited to the first 96 FootGolfers and consists of a round of FootGolf along with complimentary lunch, FootGolf hats and prizes. Fees range from $59 for an individual, $105 for a twosome and $199 for a foursome, the Times reported.

Only indoor turf shoes or sneakers are allowed on the course and while casual dress is fine for the open house, a collared shirt and shorts are encouraged for the tournament, the Times reported.

FootGolf, which is sweeping through Europe, South America and has a foothold in California, could be a game changer for Largo, the Times reported.

“We’re an executive golf course that traditionally attracts seniors and beginners,” Wilson said. “We want to expand our customer base and draw in people of all ages. As they become familiar with the game and the course, they may try golf, too.”

The game can be played in about an hour and 15 minutes for nine holes. No special skills or equipment are needed to play. Players can ride a golf cart around the course, or choose to walk since there are no heavy clubs to carry, the Times reported.

Rounds for 18 holes are $15 to walk and $20 to ride a golf cart. Juniors, 14 and under, walk for $5; ride for $10 with a paying adult, the Times reported.

Beginning October 12, regular tee times for FootGolf will be available on weekend afternoons. Plans are for the traditional golfers to play simultaneously with FootGolfers on the course, the Times reported.

“We aren’t a traditional golf course; we’re part of the city of Largo’s recreation department,” Wilson said. “We do have some core golfers that we definitely don’t want to interfere with and usually they just play in the mornings.

“We will have to do our part and teach FootGolfers about the etiquette of golf.”