THE FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS IN LUXEMBOURG

On September 26, the championship crosses the border and lands in Belval, Luxembourg, where U.G.E.L. will host the opening round on one of Europe’s most distinctive Streetgolf playgrounds. France, Luxembourg, Germany, players already coming from several countries. A national championship starting abroad? Yep! And honestly, it makes perfect sense.

NO BORDERS. JUST STREETGOLF.

For Eric NGuyen Khac, the reason is pretty simple:
“To pay tribute to our loyal Luxembourg friends who systematically travel to France to play championship rounds and off competitions organised by our associations.”

Luxembourg has been part of the French Streetgolf ecosystem for years, even without being French. So when the opportunity came to open the new season there, it wasn’t some marketing stunt or an attempt to suddenly make the championship “international”. It was more natural than that.

“The first round of the French Championship sets the tone for the season.
Playing it in Luxembourg reminds us of the essential: Streetgolf has no borders.” - Eric N’Guyen

Seki Samir from U.G.E.L.

Seki Samir from U.G.E.L. tells a similar story. The Luxembourg crew has built a strong relationship with French players over the years, and their work clearly didn’t go unnoticed. Thomas from Medieballes Laon Streetgolf eventually contacted them to see if they would be interested in hosting the first round.

For U.G.E.L., that invitation means something. It means Luxembourg isn’t simply visiting the French scene anymore. This time, the French Championship is coming to them.

WELCOME TO BELVAL

And they couldn’t have picked a boring place. Belval is former industrial territory transformed into one of Luxembourg’s most recognizable urban districts. Steel. Concrete. Architecture. Open spaces. Weird angles. In other words: Streetgolf food.

Eric doesn’t hesitate when talking about U.G.E.L.:
“A team experienced in international competitions and countless friendly meetings on an exceptional site: Belval, a mythical spot of European Streetgolf.”

He adds something perhaps even more important:
“U.G.E.L. is above all a team full of personalities, smiles and good vibes. Guaranteed success!”

That tells you quite a lot about what September 26 should feel like. But don’t confuse good vibes with an easy course.
Seki has a warning:
“There’s not a single hole where you can really relax.” Perfect. That’s exactly what we wanted to hear.

THREE HOLES. FIRST LOOK.

19-News got a preview of three holes waiting for players at Belval. And they pretty much explain why Streetgolf is more fun when golf-course logic gets thrown out the window.

TARGET 06

110 METERS. PAR 4. FIND YOUR LINE.
This is the long one!

A proper urban trajectory hole where distance alone won’t save you. At 110 metres, players need to read the environment, find the right line and manage what the city throws between the tee and the target.

It’s long enough to tempt you into going big.
It’s urban enough to punish you when you do.

Grip it. Think. Then rip it.
Maybe.

TARGET 10

60 METERS. PAR 4. HIT THE FIRE HYDRANT.
Yes! The target is a fire hydrant.

If you ever need to explain Streetgolf to someone who has never seen it before, show them this hole. No manicured green. No flagstick. No perfectly shaped bunker. Just a piece of street furniture sitting there waiting to get hit.

The route also brings water and awkward positioning into play, so reaching the hydrant may not be as straightforward as the distance suggests.

Still confused about Streetgolf?
We play the city. That’s basically it.

TARGET 13

20 METERS. PAR 5. EASY? GOOD LUCK.

Twenty meters. You’ve got this. Right?
Seki disagrees.

Of holes 6, 10 and 13, this is the one he expects to cause the most trouble. “It’s very short, but if you don’t play it tactically, it will be very difficult to finish it.”

The sequence demands precision rather than power. Players need to negotiate the designated playing areas, work through the required targets and eventually finish on the bench.

Short hole. Lots of opportunities to screw it up.
And apparently, no magic advice from the organiser other than: play smart!
20 meters. Par 5. Welcome to Streetgolf.

THE SIGNATURE HOLE? THE WHOLE DAMN COURSE.

We asked Seki which hole best represents U.G.E.L.’s approach. He refused to pick one. And that might actually be the best answer.

“I wouldn’t single out any one hole as the signature hole.
I’d say the entire course at Belval is very distinctive and unique.
The whole course really captures the essence of urban Streetgolf.” - Seki Samir

So forget the postcard hole. Belval itself is the signature. Technical. Fun. Brutal. Surprising. Sometimes all four on the same hole.

A FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FOREIGN PLAYERS?

Here’s where things get interesting. Opening the French Championship in Luxembourg naturally raises a question for anyone discovering the scene:
Can you actually play the French Championship if you’re not French?
According to Eric: “As far as I know, foreign players can participate in the French Championship and appear in the individual event rankings, but not in the national ranking.”
That distinction matters. International players can come, play, compete and feature in the results of an individual round. The French national title remains French. Simple enough. But interestingly, this conversation is not new.

WE’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE

Long before this Luxembourg opener, the original French City Pro Tour - The Streetgolf Challenge already welcomed players from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and elsewhere. International participation was part of the idea from the beginning. And even back then, it generated debate. The question was never really whether foreign streetgolfers were welcome. They were. The difficult part was deciding how foreign results should fit within a national championship ranking. That distinction wasn’t always understood. I know that one personally. At the time, I was even portrayed as wanting to exclude foreign players, despite being one of the people pushing for international participation in the first place. That episode created unnecessary tension and confusion around something that was actually pretty straightforward. And that history is exactly why clarity matters today.
If players from Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland or anywhere else want to join a French Championship round, everyone should know exactly what they can compete for and how their result will be treated. No rumours. No unnecessary drama. Just clear rules and more people playing together. Much healthier.

100+ players gathered for the Paris Pro Tour Master Classic in 2011 in Paris

THE REAL CHALLENGE FOR 2027

For Eric, the biggest challenge facing the new season has very little to do with trophies. It’s about who comes next.

“Beyond titles and trophies, it is vital that we mobilise to find new blood,
rejuvenate the community and ensure the next generation.”

That means associations doing their part. It means the Federation doing its part. And yes, it also means experienced competitors welcoming beginners, kids and first-timers into their groups. But if we really want new blood, we also need to go back to the essence of the game.

PLAY FIRST. COMPETE LATER.

Streetgolf did not grow because of championships alone. It grew because people met in the street. Because free sessions were easy to join. Because curious passers-by could grab a club and try. Because public initiations turned spectators into players. Because good photos and videos made the game look exciting, different and accessible. Because people saw Streetgolf and thought: “I want to try that.” That recipe worked in the early days. And it can work again. Competition is important. It gives the scene structure, goals and big moments. But competition cannot be the only doorway into Streetgolf. If the community wants to grow, it needs more: free sessions, public initiations, local crews, beginner-friendly formats, strong photography, good video content and stories that make people outside the scene curious enough to pick up a club. That’s where the next generation will come from. Not only from rankings. From the street itself.

AND APPARENTLY... THE SOUTH IS COMING

We asked Eric if anything else was worth watching in 2027. He didn’t exactly give us the calendar. But he did drop this: “Without wanting to spoil anything, I’ve heard that one round is going to be played in the far south. Finally!” That’s all we’ve got. For now.

WHERE IS THE ROOSTER?

Obviously, we couldn’t talk to Eric without asking.
Where is the Rooster?

His first answer? “Dans ton c… et sur la cuisse de Ludo.” - “Up your a… and on Ludo’s thigh.”
Fair enough!

And yes, Ludo Devin is actually the player who has the original Team France Rooster tattooed on his thigh. So Eric’s answer is technically correct.
It also tells you something about how far beyond “just a logo” this thing went. Players wore it. Supporters recognized it. And one of them literally tattooed it on his body.

Eric then got more serious: “Your Rooster is so perfect for Team France that it’s hard to do without it.”

And that is really the interesting part. The Rooster was part of Team France’s identity for more than a decade, and many players still feel attached to it today. There is currently a discussion about its future and whether it could find its place again alongside the Federation’s current identity. For now, we’ll leave that conversation where it belongs. Behind the scenes.

But one thing is clear: the Rooster still means something. BRING BACK THE ROOSTER 🐓🇫🇷 That conversation may not be over yet.

BACK TO LUXEMBOURG

Roosters aside, September 26 is what matters next. The 2027 French Championship begins at Belval. U.G.E.L. is preparing a course with apparently zero chill.

France, Luxembourg and Germany are already represented. More players are welcome. And if you’ve never watched Streetgolf before?

Seki’s advice is uncomplicated:
“Come along. Have fun. See what happens when golf escapes the golf course.”

Because the first round of the French Championship is happening outside France for the first time. And somehow... that feels very Streetgolf.

SEPTEMBER 26
BELVAL, LUXEMBOURG
FRENCH CHAMPIONSHIP 2027, ROUND ONE

MORE INFO

Wherever. Whenever. Whoever. JUST PLAY.

WUGC 2026: FRANCE WINS. THE GAME GROWS.

On 22 August 2026, the international Urban Golf family took over Winterthur. From the historic Sulzer industrial district to the city centre, almost 100 players faced a creative, demanding fourteen-hole course built through streets, public spaces and raw urban architecture.

France retained the world title with 376 strokes, just two ahead of Germany. The Czech Republic finished third on 381, with host nation Switzerland only three strokes further back on 384. Just eight strokes separated the first four countries.
In other words, almost nothing separated the best teams in the world.

The result was one of the closest World Urban Golf Cups ever.

France wins by the smallest of margins

The suspense remained intact until the rankings were announced.

Pierre-Yves, assistant coach of Team France - © BACKSIDEPICTURES

“It was an incredibly close victory,” said Pierre-Yves “Oncle Mo”, assistant coach of Team France. “Only eight strokes separated the first four teams. I expected us to reach the podium, but I honestly thought the victory might slip away. That suspense is what creates the legend of this kind of event.”

According to Oncle Mo, France’s determination, patience and ability to remain calm under pressure were crucial. He also highlighted captain Vincent “Stoulk” Castel’s composed briefing and the complementary partnership between Castel and Benjamin Tiesler.

“Stoulk has an incredible touch. Ben is an outstanding attacking player. They play together regularly, know each other well, and that makes the difference.”

In the back Ben & Vincent of Team France - © BACKSIDEPICTURES

Ben Tiesler is World Champion

France did not only take the team trophy.

Benjamin Tiesler delivered the best individual performance of the day, completing the course in 53 strokes to become the 2026 Urban Golf World Champion. Switzerland’s Stephan Gaberdiel finished second with 55, while Flo Weisser of Germany, Radek Langr of the Czech Republic and France captain Vincent Castel shared third place on 58. The complete WUGC results and competition data show just how tight the battle was across the leading nations and players.
For Ben, the title is the culmination of years spent playing, training and refusing to give up. After becoming French Champion and now World Champion, he could hardly have imagined a better outcome.

“It is very difficult to be consistent in this sport. This title represents all those years of Streetgolf: the training, the defeats that were sometimes difficult to accept, the fun with friends, the concentration, the determination to hit a target, but also the doubts and the stress when your game is not there. Then comes the joy and satisfaction when the ball does exactly what you wanted. That is Streetgolf.”

Even after his final shot, Ben did not believe the title was his.

“At no point in this sport can you tell yourself that you are ahead. You hope, you hold on until the final hole, and then you wait for the results. Even five minutes before the announcement, I still did not believe it, because these competitions are often decided by only one or two strokes.”

There was no single turning point in his round, but the final five holes produced some of the pair’s best shots of the day, including a hole-in-one by his partner on Hole 13.
Changing winds, smooth surfaces and the distances between holes made the competition difficult, but Ben described the Winterthur course as magnificent and highly varied.
The individual crown remains his ultimate achievement, but making history with Team France mattered too.

“The individual title inevitably means more to me because it is the ultimate prize. But I also really wanted to win the team title and make France the first nation to become World Champion twice in a row. We did it, so congratulations to all my Frenchies!”

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Where is the rooster?

The french federation has its logo. But Team France had something else: a badge, a story, a rooster. First worn by the French team in 2012, the original emblem has built a following far beyond France. For more than a decade, players from other international teams have recognized it, celebrated it and shown it love. One Team France player even has it tattooed. Because you don’t tattoo a rebrand. You tattoo something you belong to.
France is World Champion again. Bring back the rooster. 🇫🇷🐓

Winterthur understood the assignment

The sporting drama was only one part of the story. The WUGC 2026 was also a major achievement for the asXg, the Association Suisse de X-Golf, and its organizing team.
Winterthur was a natural host. It is currently the only city with two permanent Urban Golf courses, and that existing culture proved invaluable.

“Thanks to its two permanent courses, Winterthur already has expertise in this area and understands the specific requirements of the sport,” explained Jakob Bächtold, Managing Director and Head of Economic Affairs. “There is also a local community that actively participates in Urban Golf. This allowed us to build on existing structures and efficiently support the organization of the WUGC.”

For the city, the event went well beyond competition. It offered Winterthur an international stage, brought together people from different countries and created fresh energy in the streets. “We are proud to have been part of this event, and we look forward to welcoming the international Urban Golf family back to Winterthur one day.”

The people behind the World Cup

An event of this scale does not appear overnight. Behind the course, trophies, permits, volunteers, funding, communication and scoring platform was a small team whose different skills fitted together remarkably well.

Matthias “MAD” Wintsch, member of the asXg and the WUGC organizing team, handled media relations, organized the trophies and designed the course alongside Simon. Simon used his local network to obtain the necessary permits and coordinated the volunteers. Chris developed the digital tools, including the system used to transfer paper results and the detailed WUGC data platform. Didi Keller “The Dude” activated his network to secure the funding while also producing the shirts, promotional materials and social media content. “A true masterpiece,” MAD said of Didi’s contribution.

Preparations began in early 2026, with a preliminary route established around April. The final weeks were spent resolving permits, refining the course and balancing difficulty, maximum scores, flight sizes and timing.

Time, MAD explained, was the biggest challenge. Too many holes would make the event impossible to complete. Too few would make the competition less representative. With large flights, detailed marshal scoring and close to 100 players, there was almost no room for delay.

Player from the Netherlands Team at Hole 9, built around a children’s playground - © Backsidepictures

Behind the scenes, the team constantly monitored the progress of the competition while slowly realizing that the original schedule would be difficult to maintain. Hole 9, built around a children’s playground, proved more problematic than expected and even raised the question of whether it should remain in the final scoring. MAD did not hide from it: “I’d definitely set up Hole 9 differently. That was really bad, and we are sorry for it.”

That honesty matters. Successful events are not events without problems. They are events whose organizers recognize them, solve them and learn from them.

For MAD, the realization that they had made it arrived in several stages: a team huddle before the opening ceremony, another before the rankings while the room chanted “USA! USA!”, and finally, alone on his porch at 3 a.m. “That one was quite emotional, to be completely honest.”

Didi Keller “The Dude” and players from Team India - © Backsidepictures

Didi’s final milestone

For asXg president Didi Keller, the priority was simple: making sure everyone had a great time.
“Urban Golf needs no language, and we are all one family” he said. “A lot of Urban Golfers made new friends, and that’s what it is all about: having a good time with good people from all over the world.”

The new World Champion shared that gratitude.
“A huge congratulations to the Swiss organizers for their professionalism, the smooth running of the event, the magnificent course, the great atmosphere and the nine nations brought together for a World Cup worthy of the name. They made this WUGC unforgettable. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

The WUGC also marks the end of a chapter. After eleven years leading the asXg, Didi plans to step down at the end of 2026 and return to the scene simply as a player.

Looking back, Didi is especially proud of how far the Swiss scene has come.
“What a ride it has been! Hosting the WUGC 2026 in the same place where we held the first Swiss Championship feels like bringing the journey full circle. Eleven years ago, I could never have imagined we would come this far. Today, Switzerland has four active Urban Golf clubs and a national tour through which players can earn qualification points for the next EUGC or WUGC. Ten years ago, we were simply happy if we could find twelve players!”

“Urban Golf can now be played legally through tourism partners in many Swiss cities, and the sport is officially recognized by Swiss Golf.”

“I believe the scene will continue to grow. Not quickly, but slowly and steadily, like a good wine. Cheers!”

“I’ll now enjoy the scene from the players’ side. No more organizing or worrying about staff. Just having a blast. I can’t wait to simply play. Let’s Goooooooooooooooolf!” That sounds like Didi. But before he puts down the organizer’s clipboard, the WUGC 2026 stands as one hell of a final milestone.

Across the Atlantic, something is growing

Team USA crossed the Atlantic with more than scores in mind.

Aaron Koch and Flip McGuire had attended the 2024 WUGC in Košice, where they fell in love with the international community. This time, they returned with a full team, determined to help the American scene grow.

Urban Golf in the United States remains young but has real roots. Scott Mazariegos brought the Streetgolf concept back from Europe to Portland in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The MuniKids, Max and Drew Reinland, have since built consistent weekly meetups, while pop-up events have reached Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago.

Flip wants the American game to become more competitive without losing what makes it special.

“His words resonate deeply with me. I helped build the competitive side of Urban Golf in France and across Europe, but today I also believe we need to reclaim its freer spirit: going outside, finding a target, gathering a few friends and simply playing. Back to the roots of the game, just like when we started.” - Philippe “Sköyp” Missemer Co-founder of Le 19ème Trou Streetgolf Team and creator of the French City Pro Tour

“I really want to see it still be the fun, inclusive, welcoming party that it is. You don’t need permission. Just go to Goodwill and get a couple of cheap clubs, grab some practice foam balls or used tennis balls, get out and play. Just do it!” - Flip McGuire

Winterthur left the Americans inspired by the European style, the difficulty of the course and the professionalism of the event data.

So, what comes next?

An Urban Ryder Cup on American streets has already entered the conversation. Flip’s answer was immediate: “Let’s! It will take a lot of planning, of course, but we would love to have anyone from Europe and beyond come get some swings in with us on our home turf.” The challenge has been issued. Now let’s make it happen.

Didi & Team India - © Backsidepictures

Slum Golf India: much more than fifth place

India finished fifth with 401 strokes, ahead of Luxembourg, the USA, the Netherlands and Poland. But a number alone cannot explain what their presence in Winterthur represented.

Slum Golf is a non-profit initiative founded and coached by Suresh R. Mehboobani. It uses golf to create opportunities for children from underprivileged communities in India.

“Our players come from slum and low-income families,” Suresh explained. “Through golf they learn discipline, confidence, education, respect and important life skills. Golf has given them hope, purpose and the opportunity to dream of a better future.”

The team reached Switzerland with limited sponsorship from a few golf club members, whose support helped cover part of the travel, food and accommodation costs. Without that support, representing India would not have been possible.

This was not Slum Golf’s first remarkable WUGC journey. In 2018, European teams collectively helped finance the Indian delegation’s travel to Paris, where it also finished fifth. Their story was later documented by The Guardian. Eight years later, they crossed continents again and proved that they still belong on the international stage.

Their ambition is now to develop a squad of twelve dedicated players capable of competing internationally. To do that, they need support for coaching, equipment, tournament fees, accommodation and international travel.

Want to support Slum Golf Team India?

Follow and contact @slum_golf to help the team reach future international competitions.

Time to step up

The WUGC has grown into something bigger than another tournament on the Urban Golf calendar. For many players, representing their country is the highest level our sport currently offers. For teams such as Slum Golf India, the opportunity to compete internationally can create exposure, connections and opportunities that reach far beyond the final ranking.

But most major Urban Golf events still take place in Europe. For teams travelling from India, the United States or other distant regions, flights, accommodation and equipment create barriers that passion alone cannot overcome.

Over the years, organizers of both European and World events have repeatedly shared a similar feeling with 19-News: local teams carry most of the workload, sometimes without the support they expected, yet once the event succeeds, their contribution can fade into the background while the Urban Golf Collective takes the spotlight. It is a perception, but one expressed often enough to deserve attention.

19-News is not here to judge who is right or wrong. But when similar concerns are expressed by different organizers over several years, they deserve to be heard and discussed. Giving them a voice is not about creating division. It is about encouraging dialogue, strengthening cooperation and helping the entire community move forward.

It is also important to remember that the Urban Golf Collective is currently driven by one person, Sascha Bien. Strengthening it cannot rest on his shoulders alone. If you believe in what the Collective could become, do not hesitate to reach out and offer your time, skills, contacts or ideas. Constructive criticism matters, but so does stepping forward to help.
A new Urban Golf Collective website is coming soon. Check it out, follow what comes next and, if you can contribute, get involved.

The magnificent 2026 edition has created energy, credibility and momentum. This could be the perfect opportunity for the Urban Golf Collective to consolidate and strengthen its international role, while bringing local organizers, national associations and players closer together. That role could go beyond preserving the WUGC and EUGC names or selecting the next host. The Collective could actively support local organizers, share knowledge and operational tools, coordinate the international calendar, seek global sponsors, help emerging teams reach competitions, bring new nations into the movement and work throughout the year to develop the sport.

The asXg proved what a committed local organization can achieve. The next step is to transform that success into shared progress for the entire international community.

Support the organizers. Support the players. Bring in new countries. Find partners. Build opportunities. Grow the game.

A World Cup worth building on

France left Winterthur with the trophies. Ben Tiesler left as World Champion. The asXg showed what passion, local knowledge and a small committed team can deliver. Winterthur confirmed that a city can do more than tolerate Urban Golf: it can understand it, support it and make it part of its identity.
The USA returned home ready to grow its scene. Slum Golf India returned with another fifth-place finish and a story that deserves international support.
Nine nations arrived from different realities, spoke different languages and shared the same streets.
That is the real legacy of the WUGC 2026. Not simply a ranking, but momentum. Now we have to use it.

Partners

A huge thank you to all the partners whose support helped make the WUGC 2026 possible.

GOLD PARTNER

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HOLE PARTNERS

GOODIE BAG

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ON THE DAY

EMMERGENCY GEAR

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GOLF COURSES

WUGC 2026 was organized by the asXg in Winterthur, Switzerland. View the full rankings, player data and hole statistics. - Photos © Backsidepictures

WUGC'26. SEE YOU IN WINTERTHUR!

Friday evening. Players arrive from all around the world. Clubs come out of travel bags, the first beers are shared, old friends embrace, new faces are introduced, and somewhere in the city someone is already asking the question everyone loves to hear: "Where's the after party?"

By Saturday morning, around 100 players from more than 10 nations will be ready to compete in the World Urban Golf Cup 2026.

But anyone who's ever attended a WUGC knows the tournament is only part of the story.

The magic happens everywhere. In impossible shots. In teammates celebrating together. In rivals helping each other after a bad bounce. In discovering a new city, one hole at a time. And later... over a beer, when the stories get even better.

This year, that city is Winterthur.

WHY WINTERTHUR?

Switzerland isn't just hosting this World Cup. It helped build the culture that made it possible.

For more than 25 years, Switzerland has been one of the driving forces behind Urban Golf. Long before permanent courses, tourism partnerships and international championships became part of the scene, Swiss players were already shaping the culture and philosophy of the game.

Home to two permanent Urban Golf courses, developed by Urbangolf.ch, Winterthur has become one of the world's leading Urban Golf destinations. Hosting the World Cup simply makes sense.

That also comes with expectations. France arrives as defending World Champion after its victory in Košice in 2024. Germany will once again be among the favourites. And after their unforgettable European Championship victory in Strasbourg last year, the Swiss won't just be defending a title. They'll be welcoming the entire Urban Golf family onto home turf.

A CITY BUILD FOR URBAN GOLF

The Swiss Urban Golf Federation (asXg) has designed a spectacular course linking Winterthur's historic Sulzer industrial district to the city centre, transforming streets, architecture and public spaces into the playground.

Tournament headquarters will be located at Lagerplatz, which will become the official Urban Golf Hub throughout the weekend.

But don't expect just another tournament village.
"We're also putting together a full program around the tournament," says Didi Keller, President of asXg. "The festivities kick off on Friday, and on Saturday we'll have our Urban Golf Village. And yes… you'll even be able to get a tattoo!"
Now that's commitment!

MORE THAN A TOURNAMENT

For many players, the competition is only half the story. The European and World Championships take place every two years, making these events something of a family reunion. Friends who haven't seen each other in years meet again, new friendships are created, stories are exchanged, cities are explored, and the celebrations often continue long after the last putt has dropped.

Behind the scenes, a small team has been working for months to make it happen. If it all looks effortless on tournament day, it's only because hundreds of hours of volunteer work have already gone into making it happen.

Didi The Dude

Matthias

Simon

Chris

"Our organizing committee is made up of four people: Didi from Royals Frauenfeld, and Simon, Chris and myself from St. Albani Winterthur," explains Matthias Wintsch, Head of Media for asXg. "What brings us together is our passion for Urban Golf and the community around it. We've all competed in several international tournaments, and now it's our turn to give something back to the sport that has given us so much."

Like every great Urban Golf event, creativity comes first... right after Safety First.

"There have been plenty of challenges along the way," Matthias says. "But perhaps the biggest has been recruiting and coordinating all our volunteers. Their passion and commitment make an event like this possible. So here's a huge shout-out to every single one of them!"

The city already embraces Urban Golf. Families play the permanent courses, local authorities support the project, and years of collaboration have helped turn this World Cup into reality. The organizing team is currently putting the finishing touches on what they hope will become the tournament's signature hole, while keeping a few surprises under wraps, including the official trophies.

And with Team USA joining the field, WUGC 2026 becomes even more international. "We feel truly honoured to host the international Urban Golf family in Winterthur," Matthias says. "We can't wait to welcome everyone."

STILL STREET.

Didi Keller's answer says more about Urban Golf than any history book could. Asked what would have defined a successful World Cup twenty years ago, he laughs.

"Back then, I probably would have wanted nothing more than a course full of crazy holes and a massive party that lasted until sunrise! Today, I'd rather see creative, fully legal holes and enjoy a great barbecue with friends after the tournament. I guess that's what being 20 years older does to you! But one thing hasn't changed: we know exactly what it takes to create an unforgettable World Urban Golf Cup."

That evolution says a lot about Urban Golf itself. The rebellious energy is still there. The creativity is still there. The friendships are stronger than ever. The sport has simply grown up.

COMMUNITY. PASSION. COMPETITION.

Soon, clubs will strike the pavement. Sparks will fly. Let the game begin. The first ceremonial tee shots will be played at 10:00 a.m., with the tournament officially starting at 10:30 a.m. The prize ceremony is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m., before the celebrations continue well into the evening.

For one weekend, Winterthur becomes the capital of Urban Golf.

MORE INFO

Because in the end, Urban Golf has never been just about winning. It's about exploring new cities, sharing unforgettable moments, and making memories with people who may not speak the same language, but always understand each other once a club is in their hands.

Someone will leave Winterthur with a trophy.
Everyone else will leave with new stories.
Game on. See you in Winterthur!