It’s been 10 years since streetgolf took hold of the streets of Paris, and the craze is only getting bigger.
Founded in Germany in the 1990′s, street golf (also known as urbangolf, or crossgolf) is bringing the expensive game of golf to the masses. Played in groups of 4 to 7, the game follows the basic rules of golf but uses a lighter variety golfball (don’t worry, it can still break windows, and frequently does). The tees and holes are also more improvised, oftentimes outlined with chalk or using a trashcan.
Where to find these streetgolfers? Everywhere around Paris! They are having driving contests on the banks of the Seine (hitting into the river), and are playing in the streets right around the pedestrians. The park at Bercy is a notable hangout.
Philippe Meissner, a 24 year-old graphic artist, has been playing for 2 years. “It’s great. We ask everyone to bring some beer and drinks, and we use the cans as tees.”
Phillippe’s girlfriend, Sandrine, has picked up the game as well. “My first attempts were catastrophic, but the joy of hitting the ball arrived quickly,” she says. “The atmosphere is really chill, but everyone agrees to stop laughing when someone is about to hit.”
Sandrine, who had never picked up a club, now has a pretty nice swing. Perhaps the next Michelle Wi?
French streetgolfers had their first official tournament this past fall in Rennes. Another one is scheduled for this Spring in Paris. Check out their website, complete with hilarious photos, at www.19Mtrou.com (“nineteenth hole”)
With a golf game right outside your door, who needs Pebble Beach? Note: ridiculous golfing attire still a must.
