Footgolf’s inaugural “Jansen Cup” between the UK and USA – was played this week in the Californian desert, and three Kent players were part of the UK team that return home with the trophy after a competition that was based on golf’s Ryder Cup.

Karl May from Gillingham, West Kingsdown’s Steve Baker and Ashford’s Sophie Brown were all part of the team and all three played their part.

Speaking to us from his hotel base in Las Vegas where this weekend he’ll be playing in the Las Vegas Open over the weekend, Karl told us, “We’re all delighted to win the Jansen Cup,”

He went on, “It was a very strong qualification process to be able to get out here that meant we were travelling all over the country trying to get as many points as possible.”

The recent warm spell in this country has taken a lot out of a lot of people, but we’ve had nothing like the temperatures that the Footgolfers “enjoyed” at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

“The heat out here has been immense,” Karl admitted. “We were in California in the middle of the desert with temperatures reaching over 40 every day.”

The two-day competition saw a gruelling day one. “Playing 36 holes in a day was very demanding for my Scottish partner – Gavin Craig – and I but we were able to beat Jordan Godfrey (the best American player in the fourballs) with Steve and his partner Nick Iron gaining half a point and Sophie winning her match with her partner Natalie
Richardson.”

“In the afternoon foursomes, Gavin and I lost our match 2 and 1 which was disappointing, but Steve and Sophie both won – Sophie and Natalie for the second time in the day which meant that after the first day we led 15.5-8.5!”

On Day Two – with all 24 members of the team playing singles – there were mixed results for our Kent trio – Steve lost to Albert Mena, Karl got a half with Arturo Barragan whilst Sophie completed the hat trick of wins – beating Leilani Tedesui.

All in all though it was a great day for the team as they ran out 29.5-18.5 winners.

Reflecting on a great win, Karl told us, “It’s been a fantastic team effort and the support from everybody back home has been incredible. There were many people staying up late into the night watching and keeping up with the updates.”

“I am delighted to be a part of such a big event again. I’ve only played the game 2 and a half years and I’ve already had the opportunity to play in a World Cup and Jansen Cup (Ryder Cup of Footgolf). And Footgolf has allowed me to go to places around the world I never imagined I would be able to go to.”

Karl is currently looking for sponsors and so if you can help, please contact Karl on 07973 482987 or email [email protected]