American Classic golfers excelling at new spin on traditional game
No need to yell fore on the golf courses this summer if you see entire groups of golfers flinging their clubs around, especially if it’s a Friday night at American Classic Golf Club. They are just taking part in the growing sport of FlingGolf.
“We knew that it would be a good addition to the tourist area, something that grandma and grandpa could take the kids out to do, or the whole family,” said ACGC Director Austin Ebersole. “I think what is fun about it is just the fact that anybody can play it.”
Following its introduction locally at the course by Ebersole in 2019 and a segment on “Shark Tank” in 2021, FlingGolf has been growing in popularity locally, nationally and internationally. The rise in demand has led ACGC to run FlingGolf Fridays in June, July and August. The weekly events allow FlingGolfers to play the course – with a rented club if they need it – for $20. Those choosing to come out will notice a wide range of skill sets, from beginners up to state and international champions.
This past spring, Amy Lewis and Ebersole proved to the country, and the world, that while the Cape Region has fun with the sport, local golfers are right at home competing with the best.
2024 New Swarm Classic
Competing for about a year and in just her third tournament, Amy Lewis won the 2024 New Swarm Classic held May 17-19 at ACGC near Rehoboth Beach.
“I hadn’t been playing long and I had gotten two previous fourth-place finishes, but I have the drive and determination to get better, and so it was great to be able to win it here, the course that I call home,” Lewis said.
The event was the second of five FlingGolf tournaments held across the country as part of the World League FlingGolf New Swarm Tour. After starting with the Treasure Coast Open at Jensen Beach Golf Club in Florida this past April, the tour will continue July 13-14 in western Pennsylvania at Spring Valley Garden & Lawn, and Pine Hill Golf Club before heading to Welk Resort in San Diego Sept. 7-8, for the final tournament of the summer. The final stop on the tour will be Oct. 19-20 at Massanutten Resort in Virginia.
Ebersole said there are about 15,000 to 18,000 players across the United States as of right now, but he expects that number to double next year based on stick sales. Lewis beat out a crowd of about 100 golfers to claim her title. She might join Ebersole on the national level if she continues to improve.
“It's absolutely boosted my confidence,” Lewis said. “Now I've set the bar for myself where I definitely want to hit that every time, but I just want to stay competitive. We've got a great group of girls, as well as guys, and it feels like family. I think that's the biggest thing I get out of it.”
Inaugural Britain's Cup
Ebersole, having won a few Swarm Tour events in the past, has played well enough to turn pro and is now sponsored by Callaway, First Tee and Revelation Craft Brewing Company. He says he is blessed to have the financial backing to travel across the country competing in FlingGolf tournaments.
His most recent expedition was a trip across the pond to take on Team UK in the inaugural Britain’s Cup June 7-9. Ebersole represented Team USA along with team members from as far west as Hawaii and as far north as Maine. Needing to score 8.5 points, the team picked up 15.5.
“We went over there and we kind of stomped them out, but playing for national pride is the first thing that comes to my mind,” Ebersole said. “That was awesome; I think I was throwing 20 to 30 yards farther over there just because of the adrenaline the whole time.”
Ebersole said it was an incredible experience, and he noted there was less judgment and more curiosity from the English fans as opposed to what he encounters in America.
An inclusive sport for all
Despite some sideways looks Ebersole and Lewis may experience across the country while playing FlingGolf, the local reception from area golf courses has been positive. Outreach to the courses, along with the Friday night special at ACGC, has allowed golf and country clubs to experience the economic benefits firsthand as more people have more reasons to visit a course.
One demographic FlingGolf is particularly appealing to is the younger generation. Lewis said her first traditional golf game with her son Ethan was a frustrating experience, but switching to FlingGolf gave a better return on investment.
“I think it's just because they can pick it up a little bit more and yet still be on the course, learn etiquette on the course, how to be on the course and how to keep score on the course,” Lewis said.
“I think it's a perfect segue for that exact reason – kids are learning,” Ebersole said. “They get to learn how to check in, they learn how to book a tee time, they learn pace of play and fixing ball marks. There are so many positives to the sport, and whether they stay with FlingGolf for the rest of their life or transition into golf, they become comfortable with going to the golf course, which creates opportunities for all local golfers.”
Ebersole said those interested in trying the sport should go to ACGC on Friday nights to see if they enjoy it. If they have their own club and want to try different courses, they just need to let the golf pro know ahead of time when they book their tee time. The ACGC director said all of the local courses are familiar with the variation and welcome FlingGolfers as part of the golfing community.
More information about FlingGolf can be found at flinggolf.com. Families or golfers interested in playing the sport can book tee times at americanclassicgolf.com or reach out to local golf courses.
