AUSTIN, Texas — It's a sport you probably aren't familiar with: footgolf. It's just like it sounds, but instead of clubs and a golf ball, you use your feet and a soccer ball.
A competitive circuit of footgolf even competes internationally. Some of those circuits are played here in Texas.
On Saturday, they were playing at a course in Bastrop and for players like Mike Rudolph, it was a good day. Rudolph picked up the sport about a year and a half ago, and now competes on the world stage.
But when he started, it was all to find an identity after serving 35 years in the Austin Fire Department and the U.S. Army.
"No more paratrooper, no more fire, I found my identity with these guys, foot golfers," said Rudolph. "I feel like as a guy returning, we don't really know where we're going, what we're doing and we have to focus on something. So we have to find something positive to strive for, and yes this was it."
Rudolph says he used it to break bad habits that he had built up. He also credits the game to bringing some light into his life and keeping himself and his family together, which is why he started his non-profit, Dagger 27.
"My platoon was called 'Dagger'. My call sign was Dagger 2-7," explained Rudolph. "It's now the non-profit's name to give it to others."
Mike says he wants to help veterans who come back lost like he did find their way, whether that's in footgolf or anything else. He wants to support those who served just like him.
If you are looking to donate to Dagger 27, you can do so here.