Theguardian iconTheguardianSep 27, 2026

Footgolfers in arms race to replicate ‘the worst ball I’ve seen in my life’

Like most elite players, Clarke possesses an extensive array of balls, all of which require regular inflation to prevent degradation, even those sitting pristine in their original boxes, unsullied by a single boot. Footballs are prime currency in a niche sport that tasks players with kicking one around a course, and into 18 oversized holes, in as few strokes as possible.

Footgolfers in arms race to replicate ‘the worst ball I’ve seen in my life’

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Like most elite players, Clarke possesses an extensive array of balls, all of which require regular inflation to prevent degradation, even those sitting pristine in their original boxes, unsullied by a...

Footballs are prime currency in a niche sport that tasks players with kicking one around a course, and into 18 oversized holes, in as few strokes as possible.

The much-derided Adidas Jabulani, created for the 2010 World Cup, is now the ball of choice in a niche sport About once a month, Ben Clarke, the world's leading footgolfer, carefully pumps up his collection...

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Like most elite players, Clarke possesses an extensive array of balls, all of which require regular inflation to prevent degradation, even those sitting pristine in their original boxes, unsullied by a single boot. Footballs are prime currency in a niche sport that tasks players with kicking one around a course, and into 18 oversized holes, in as few strokes as possible. The much-derided Adidas Jabulani, created for the 2010 World Cup, is now the ball of choice in a niche sport About once a month, Ben Clarke, the world's leading footgolfer, carefully pumps up his collection of coveted Adidas Jabulani footballs.

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The much-derided Adidas Jabulani, created for the 2010 World Cup, is now the ball of choice in a niche sport About once a month, Ben Clarke, the world's leading footgolfer, carefully pumps up his collection of coveted Adidas Jabulani footballs.

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