A new nine-hole pirate-themed footgolf course is set to open in mid Suffolk next month.

The Smugglers Pass adventure footgolf course, which has been two years in the making, will open at Stonham Barns Park near Stowmarket on April 7. 

It extends the park's footgolf offering, having first opened a facility in 2014. 

Hugo Dobson, professional golfer at The Golf Centre at Stonham Barns, said: "Our aim is to provide a fun way of going outdoors and staying active for the whole family. This is all about fun and developing skills. 

"We have been offering footgolf now for some time and can confirm footgolf is now an established sport in the UK."

The new course marks a significant investment, with over 700 trees planted across the landscape.

East Anglian Daily Times: The course at Stonham Barns will open on April 7The course at Stonham Barns will open on April 7 (Image: The Golf Centre/Stonham Barns Park)

Work on the facility started in September 2021 after a layout was agreed. 

Constructors spent the first four months moving soil in order create slopes and mounds to make the course fun to play.

The nine-hole course is a par 36, 632 yards long and is suitable for all abilities.

Mr Dobson added: "Our aim was to make the course challenging enough for the most experienced footgolfer but still fun and engaging for a child to play round unlike most footgolf courses.

"Last autumn we installed artificial grass tee boxes and footgolf greens which ensure the course is in the best condition all year round. 

"We finished building the Smugglers Pass entrance last month and now we are applying the finishing touches to the course such as theming the course and adding more obstacles. The concept is closely related to our adventure golf course, Smugglers Bay, which is pirate themed."

The sport is a hybrid of football and golf, and is one of the fastest growing in the country. 

To book a game, visit here.