Leeds Golf Centre: Footgolf Review

Zach Williamson – Leeds Model, Event Promoter and City Dweller Contributor heads to Leeds Golf Centre to try out footgolf and their Nineteen Bar and Grill.

Leeds is a great sporting city and I personally love most sports, amongst my favourites are football and golf, so when Leeds Golf Centre gave me the chance to combine both as part of a fun packed evening with my friends I jumped at the chance.

Footgolf is a new creation and if you aren’t already aware of the rules, is just like a round of golf, same course and same tee off position but instead of a club and golf ball, you kick a regular sized football around the course into a larger sized hole.

It was 5pm on a Thursday after work and the location was Leeds Golf Centre and having never been to this particular golf club, I was really impressed by its facilities and aesthetic appearance.

My friends Mark, Nathaniel and Kris and I were greeted by the club manager and he set out our itinerary for the night and the rules of footgolf. We would first have 2 rounds (6 holes in each round) of footgolf, then back to the Nineteen Bar and Grill for food and then finishing off smashing some balls on the driving range.

With the sun shining, we were directed to the changing rooms where we swiftly put our tracksuits and trainers on. Just a tip though, you only need trainers not football boots and bring a pound coin for the lockers.

Before we knew it we had a ball each and were ready to kickoff on the first tee, let me just say that it’s a good job I had done minimal cardio at the gym that day as we really got into the spirit of things and were running all over. It was so much fun.

The lads and I kept track of the scores on each hole on the scorecard given to us. We decided to add to the competition and stated the one with the lowest score at the end of the 12 holes was the winner and received a prize and the one with the highest score got the first round in at the bar later on.

We all really enjoyed the footgolf and it was a great way to have a catch up with my friends whilst trying something new. I couldn’t believe that no one had thought of this idea before, by combining these two sports that are loved by millions Leeds Golf Centre have given birth to a great alternative activity. Footgolf is ideal for stag parties, youth birthday parties, a great father and son day out or, if you are like us, just for a catch up and a midweek de-stress.

Footgolf isn’t all Leeds Golf Centre has to offer, it also has a good sized driving range along with a putting green, an impressive bistro called Nineteen along with its main championship ‘Wike Ridge’ Golf course.

With the last kick of the last hole, we had finished and were more than ready for some food and drink having worked up a mean appetite. The Nineteen Bar and Grill is situated right next to the club house and is more like a city centre bistro than golf course bar and grill. The decor could rival most Leeds eateries and the food was absolutely fantastic.

As we entered the bar for our first pint, the staff were really helpful and helped us navigate the impressive menu. Steaks, burgers, light bites and classic specials are all offered, I ordered a chilli burger with fries which I would highly recommend to any gourmet burger lover whilst my friends got a steak which looked absolutely amazing.

We finished our food and then washed it all down with an ice cold San Miguel before heading to complete the final part of our evening on the driving range. The driving range is clean and modern and, at £6 for 70 balls, is great value for money, it was a great end to a fun packed evening.

As we drove home I couldn’t help but think we are really lucky to have an establishment like Leeds Golf Centre on our door step in Leeds. With so many activities under one roof it is an ideal place for friends and family to go and have a great day/night out or a great club for keen golfers to become a full time member.

The combination that night of the footgolf, the food and drink at Nineteen and the driving range made for one of the best evenings I have had with my friends in a long time. That good, in fact, we are looking to book again in a few weeks, this time with more friends.

See you about town!
Zach