FOOTBALL fans are getting into the swing of a new sport which is putting underused golf courses back in use.

Brighton’s first footgolf course had its official opening ceremony this weekend.

Talented players took to the Waterhall course and tried out the new hybrid sport that is taking the nation by storm.

The course is among more than 80 now operating in the country since the sport was introduced in 2012.

More than 140 golf courses are also said to be interested in joining the revolution.

Sussex players can also chip in on the hole-some fun when a course in Hunston near Chichester opens in April.

Players who hone their skills on the county’s courses could even put themselves in the running to compete for their country against the US in the Atlantic Cup – not to mention the World Cup next year.

Paul Collinson, UK Footgolf Association’s national development manager, said the sport was open to all ages and sexes from young children to grizzled old football veterans who could no longer play the game.

He said the sport was much cheaper than golf at an average of around £12 for 18 holes and took about a fifth of the time to complete, so no more “golf widows”.

The 36-par, nine-hole course at Waterhall, covers 1,120 yards and will cost £8 for a round.

Mr Collinson said: “2007 was the pinnacle for golf, there were lots of people with time and money to play the sport.

“They were the golden goose for developers but now they are turkeys.

“Eighty-thousand more people gave up golf than started it last year.

“There are not currently enough people at a lot of these courses to make it a successful business whereas we are finding we get 10,000 a weekend playing and even 5,000 during the winter.

“I can see footgolf rivalling golf in popularity in the future.”

For more details visit ukfootgolf.com/waterhall/4588159162.