THE Richings Park FootGolf captain has lead the UK to victory in the sport’s version of the Ryder Cup.

The Jansen Cup was on the minds of elite FootGolfers across the UK as hundreds of players travelled the length of the country to compete for a place in Team UK.

One of which was Mark Scotchford, who plays his FootGolf at the bespoke 18-hole course at Richings Park in Iver.

Scotchford had recently been appointed captain of Team UK and has been playing the sport for a couple of years. He is ranked sixth in the UK and was also a part of Team UK that travelled to the FootGolf World Cup in Argentina.

The Jansen Cup is named after Dutchman, Michael Jansen, one of the co-founders of the sport in Holland back in 2009.

Each team consisted of 16 men, four seniors (over-45s) and four ladies. The 24 hopeful FootGolfers set off for the home of the American Footgolf League at the impressive Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Springs, California, where the first edition of The Jansen Cup would take place.

The three-day event would see one day of practice, one day of pairs competition, both foursomes and fourball, then a final day of drama packed singles.

Despite the fact that America were current world champions, Scotchford and Team UK were confident they had enough quality and strength in depth to seal victory, but with temperatures reaching almost 41 degrees it was not going to be plain sailing.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Action from The Jansen Cup in Palm Springs, California where Team UK won the Ryder Cup-style FootGolf event.

After an amazing first day of pairs play, Team UK needed only nine single match wins from a possible 24 on day two.

The UK managed to win the final round with 14 wins to 10 and the final score was 29.5-18.5.

Scotchford said: “What a feeling. To represent your country at a sport you’re so passionate about is amazing in itself, but to come out here, to their home course, and win so convincingly is the icing on the cake.

“Every team member played their part and the support from both the travelling supporters and the support from back home has been immense, without a doubt one of my proudest moments.”

Scotchford has now taken up the role of head of FootGolf at Richings Park in Iver. He believes it is one of the most inclusive sports available to children and is urging anyone who has not tried it to get down and see what itsit’s all about.

There is lots going on over the summer including two FootGolf Summer camps for children aged between 8-15. If you are interested contact Mark at footgolf@richingspark.co.uk

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