The foursome of chirpy college students warmed up in the River Ridge course tee box, focusing on loosening their legs before taking their first shot on a par-four hole. 

Cody Seybold ran toward his ball, almost "Happy Gilmore" style. 

Then there was that unmistakable "thump" and a well-struck soccer ball arced toward the first green and its 21-inch diameter hole. 

Welcome to the wonderful world of FootGolf, a soccer-golf hybrid played on more than 257 courses in the United States, according to the FootGolf League. 

How FootGolf got started 

"It's the same structure as golf, except you are playing with your feet," said player Connor Bush, wearing soccer cleats and baggy shorts. 

"You still have to include strategy. What kind of green are you playing on? Are you going to drive? Are you going to chip?" he said. 

Because soccer balls don't travel as far as golf balls, the FootGolf holes are shorter, averaging 157 yards on the Oxnard, California, course. 

While the weekday, 18-hole green fee for traditional golf at River Ridge is $38, the fee for its ball-booting cousin is much less. 

The FootGolf green fee at River Ridge is $10 for adults and $5 for children. A soccer ball runs between $15 and $30, and no tees or gloves are needed. 

"It's really not expensive -- great when you are on the college budget," FootGolfer Lloyd Mueller said while juggling his soccer ball between shots. 

"It's a great way to spend 2½ hours with your friends." 

At River Ridge, the FootGolf holes run perpendicular to and weave between regular golf holes, so both traditional and FootGolfers play at the same time. 
Do they take turns with regular golfers?
At River Ridge, the FootGolf holes run perpendicular to and weave between regular golf holes, so both traditional and FootGolfers play at the same time.