Try This: Smash Golf

In recent years there has been a noticeable surge in sporty hybrids, and I'm not talking about vehicles that run on cooking fuel and sunlight.

I'm talking about activities that crossover more than one sport or fitness category. Bow-fishing, stand-up paddleboard yoga and or wake skating have been rapidly gaining mainstream popularity. As Gen-Xers and Millennials begin to master the sports and leisure activities that we have spent years pursuing, our restless nature gets the best of us. So, we keep inventing new fitness fads.

I'd love to say it's because we are such motivated, high-achievers that we've become obsessed with new challenges. Realistically we are easily bored by redundancy and often have the attention span of goldfish.

Last week, I went out to try one of the coolest new hybrid sports I've ever heard of: smash golf. This crossover sport combines some of the best parts of golfing and tennis to create a totally unique active experience.

Here's the concept: Instead of using a driver to hit the ball initially for distance, you whack it with a racquet. You walk to where the ball landed, plant your feet, and whack it a second time. Once the ball is on the green, you take a putter fixture and attach it to the end of your tennis racquet. This patented creation uses a custom-machined, magnetic fitting to make the racquet-to-putter transformation a snap.

"What's nice is that there's no heavy golf bag to carry. The racquet, the putter and a ball are all you need. This means that walking the entire course is completely doable" said Daril Pacinella, the creator of smash golf.

Pacinella, met me at Turtle Creek Golf Course to teach me the basics. He borrowed a golf cart to show me around the course, but says that typically people walk their way through a game. In fact, if you play all 18 holes at Turtle Creek, that's about 5 miles worth of walking. The fast pace of the game combined with the brisk walk definitely make this a fitness-focused game.

"Eighteen holes takes about 90 minutes on average," said Pacinella.

Pacinella, who is a seasoned golfing professional, says his goal is to get more kids and young adults onto the golf course. The number of golfers is declining, according to the National Golf Foundation, including among juniors and women.

"The golf course is such a beautiful place," Pacinella said as we rode through the palm trees across the sparkling morning dew. "I remember coming out and playing with my dad as a kid and just thinking it was so cool. Being outside, surrounded by nature and the atmosphere of the golf course is something that everyone should experience."

In coming months, the number of Brevard kids who have the chance to try smash golf will increase substantially. The Brevard After School program is in the process of adding smash golf to the activity curriculum. The program (formerly known as SACC) provides school-age childcare before and after school and during the summer. This week Ralph Williams Elementary School is actually running a pilot test of the activity during their spring break camp. If all goes well, then smash golf will have a place in 55 BCPS after-care programs and 7 summer camp sites within the year.

"We are really attracted to the wellness component, and how appealing this activity is to families" said Todd Forschino, who is the program development coordinator for Brevard After School. "It's a great way to engage kids and their families in a fun, outdoor activity. Smash golf provides an opportunity to introduce kids who might never otherwise set foot on a golf course to the game."

This was actually my first time on a golf course. I'm 34 years old and the closest I've ever come to a golf course is a driving range, or the perhaps bar right behind it. Pacinella is right, this place is gorgeous. There are ponds full of tilapia, tortoises leisurely strolling along in the sunlight and lush green everything as far as the eye can stretch. I can certainly see the appeal in this place.

The casual nature of smash golf makes it a great activity for people of any fitness level, including families. It also has high appeal as a social activity, as in you could invite a group of pals to join you for a round. It's low cost makes it an even more attractive option; 18 holes of smash golf at Turtle Creek will set you back about 12 bucks.

Everything about the experience was enjoyable. I will definitely do it again, and next time I'm bringing some friends.

Do you have an idea for Try This? Tell Michelle!

Contact Michelle Mulak at (321) 242-3669 or at Mmulak@Floridatoday.com Follow her on Instagram or Facebook at MobilizeBrevard or on Twitter @MichelleMulak

The Breakdown

Where you'll be sore: Forearms, upper arms and shoulders. Your legs might be tired from walking, if you aren't used to covering that kind of distance.

How sore will you be: 1-3, depending on how strong your arms already are.

Ease of accessibility: 2-3, just get to a golf course that offers the game and pay to play.

Need to know: You should call ahead before you play. The golf course is busiest in the morning, so this isn't the best time to play. Instead, opt for less-crowded afternoon or evening sessions to avoid course congestion. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes that are suitable for outdoor activity. Be sure to remember sunblock and a hat, the golf course is an open place with little shade.

Pro or no: Nope. It's fun to figure this game out on your own.

Why try: Because the golf course is a gorgeous place. The fitness factor in smash golf makes it a great way to hone hand-eye coordination skills and upper body strength while engaging in light-to-moderate cardiovascular activity.

How, How Much, Where & When?

How: Contact a golf course that offers the sport. Set up a time, and go for it.

How Much: $12 for 18 holes per person. That price includes balls and equipment rental.

Where: Turtle Creek Golf Course in Rockledge http://www.golfturtlecreek.com/ (321) 632-2520

When: Afternoons and evenings are the best time to play. Call ahead to check on course hours and conditions, or to make a reservation.

Key:

How sore will you be:1 is easy peasy lemon squeazy; 10 indicates you may not be walking upright the next day.

Ease of Accessibility:Takes into account how easy it is to try this activity, cost, number of locations that offer this activity, equipment rental, etc. 1 means you can do it at home. 10 means that there is a significant challenge in participating. This could be cost, travel, scarcity or equipment related.