A pleasure to welcome Tom Stott back to Shrigley Hall to catch up following his first full season on the English Footgolf Tour. Tom is local to Shrigley Hall and in 2023 became a full time footgolf player, following a switch from the more well known sport played with the bigger ball! The hotel supports him via access to our on site footgolf course, and it was great to see the Shrigley logo printed on his shirt, that he’ll be wearing on tour during the 2024 season.
Tell us about your 2023 season? It was my first year competing, but due to starting part way through the season, the first few events were missed. So all in all, to finish 4th in my amateur category, 37th overall, on the order of merit was an effort I was really pleased with. A couple of wins, the Greater Manchester Open, the Oldham Classic, and some top three finishes. Lots learnt and looking forward to the 2024 season where I hope to play a full calendar of events
Plans for 2024? There are 30 events on the schedule, with a key event being the ‘Bick Kick Off’ that is staged on the 27th March. Most of the events are played over two days and my aim is to qualify for the Grand Final in October, and hopefully qualify for the European Championships that are staged in Turkey in November. The ultimate aim would be an England shirt and a place at the World Championships, next year in Japan. Lots of work to do, but I definitely feel that I’m heading in the right direction and a lot of lessons leant during last season
Shot of the year? Two holes in one. One of which came at the Kelme Tour Championship at Mytton Fold. That was a great tournament for me as I finished runner up in the amateur category against a high quality field
Why did/does the sport of footgolf appeal to you so much? It’s a great sport. I played a lot of football in my youth, was signed for Macclesfield Town and it provides me with the chance to transfer to skills I spent many hours honing on the pitch, into a different environment. I enjoy the fact that as it is an individual sport, the performance and ultimate outcome is down to me and me only. I can no longer blame my team mates or even the Manager for any poor showing! It’s a growing sport that can be enjoyed by all. Young, old, male, female. Great for fitness, meeting up with friends and getting some good fresh air
Why practice at Shrigley Hall? Shrigley has a great six hole footgolf course. A real variety of holes present a good challenge. It’s well draining, interesting to play and enjoys absolutely brilliant views over Cheshire. Nice and quiet as well, although I have had the odd interested look from the deer who I see out there from time to time! For anybody interested in footgolf, no better course to come and play to give it a go. A great price, a welcoming team at the Golf Lodge, and equipment provided. I know the hotel are potentially looking to host an open day or competition sometime this spring, so look forward to assisting with that if at all possible. It would be a good fun day out for all who either play or watch
To keep track of Tom’s progress in 2024, follow him at Instagram tomstottfootgolf
Golf Country Club in Macclesfield | The Shrigley Hall Golf Club (shrigleyhallhotelandspa.co.uk)