People play woodball at the base in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsports]

The inaugural rural woodball base recently opened in Shuangpu Town Community School, signaling a new era in the promotion of woodball sports in Hangzhou.

While woodball promotional efforts previously targeted mainly universities, the implementation of the Beautiful Countryside project in Zhejiang has transformed villages into natural sports fields. Consequently, the promotion of woodball sports is now making its way into the countryside.

Scheduled to commence classes in the spring of 2024, the base aims to be inclusive, offering free access to villagers. Professional referees and coaches will provide regular guidance.

Derived from golf, woodball shares similar rules but boasts lower requirements in terms equipment, courts, and techniques compared to golf, hence earning the moniker of "golf for the masses".

The sport involves using a club resembling a bottle to strike a solid wooden ball. The objective is to navigate the ball through the goal with the fewest strokes.

Woodball has gained popularity in over 40 countries and regions, with more than 20 international events related to the sport. These include the Woodball World Cup, Beach Woodball World Cup, World University Woodball Championship, and the Asian Beach Games Woodball Competition.

People play woodball at the base in Hangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsports]