Edinburgh woman prepares to jet off to Mexico for Footgolf World Cup 2026
The Scottish national men’s football team are not the only ones heading to a world cup this summer – an Edinburgh woman has booked her place at the FootGolf World Championship 2026.
Laura Thomson, 36 from Oxgangs, is heading to sunny Acapulco, Mexico for the huge tournament, which will take place from May 27 until June 7.
Footgolf is a sport which combines both football and golf, with players aiming to get the ball around a course and into a cup in as few kicks as possible.
Laura fell in love with the sport when she first picked it up six years ago in place of football.
She said: “I was looking for a new sport to get involved in after having to give up football for health reasons.
“I came across Bridgend Footgolf Club in Linlithgow and got in touch with the captain Malky McCartney and arranged to go along and have a game.”
Since picking up the sport, Laura has gone on to represent Scotland at multiple tournaments across the world.
She said: “I have played all over Scotland, UK, Europe and the World, gaining international honours and ranking positions within Scotland, Europe and the World.
“I represented Scotland at the World Cup in Florida, USA in 2023 and at the Euros in Belek, Türkiye in 2025.
“I also represented Team GB in the Jansen Cup in Peebles in 2024.”
Laura’s biggest achievement to date was being part of that winning team who took on and defeated Team USA in the Jansen Cup.
The Jansen Cup is a tournament similar to the Ryder Cup which is contested between players from the United States and Great Britain.
Her appearance at the 2023 World Cup in Florida saw her just miss out on a medal position-finish after coming 4th in the tournament.
Laura has earned her place in both the individual and team events at this year’s FIFG FootGolf World Championship after finishing third in the Scottish rankings and placing in the European rankings.
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She is also looking for sponsors to help get her to Mexico for the tournament.
The sponsorship will go towards Laura’s green fees and additional playing kits.
She said: “I am really excited about heading to Mexico and I’m looking forward to the tournament.”
Those looking to sponsor Laura can get in touch via email at [email protected] or by contacting her on 07741303755.