Golf’s entry into Japan has entertained not only the people who brought it but also the people in the country. See how such sport for the “upper class” and avid international golfers reinstated its widespread status in Japan’s sporting and recreational scene as well as how to take part.
Table of Contents
History of Golf in Japan
Golf in Japan was established in the early 1900s when a British expat named Arthur Hesketh Groom, together with his companions, built the first golf course. Even without the help of modern technology, they completed his first four-hole private ground, which later on became a full-fledged nine-hole golf course in Kobe, Japan. During the 1930s, a man named Charles Alison built the now-famous Hirono Golf Course in Japan. He went on to be a huge influence on golf course design and construction in Japan, both directly taking part in or inspiring several famous golf courses. The golf industry started to boom at the onset but slowly declined during the depression.
During World War II, most of the established golf courses were repurposed for other uses, but the golf industry slowly recovered in the post-war era. Golf in Japan became so popular and the reputation of Japanese golf courses so widespread that in the late 1950s, Japan even hosted the Canadian Golf World Cup! This is said to have cemented Japan’s status in the golf world. The number of golf courses slowly grew over the years until it reached over 2300 golf courses presently.
※ Top 100 Golf Courses, "Japan" ※ Kobe Golf Club, "The First One - Hundred Years" ※ The Japan Golf Course Management Association, "利用税の課税状況からみたゴルフ場数、延利用者数、利用税額等の推移"
Golf in Japan today
The Japanese consider golf as a leisure activity, especially during the weekends. Golf also plays an important role in the business as business people usually accompany their clients or their managers or coworkers to play golf as a way to bond and get to know each other outside of office premises.
Not all people can afford to play golf because of its perceived exclusivity. There is truth to that because golf is an expensive sport as it entails expensive golf equipment, the time and efforts to master the sport, and the golf-course rentals. However, because of the presence of many golf courses in Japan, as well as to offset the decline in the sport compared to its golden days, it is now more affordable than ever to engage in golf. There are also various other forms that have become more popular in recent times, as driving ranges and virtual golf.
Writer's Pick
Famous Golfers in Japan
As golf is a rather popular sport, those that are good at it are held in high esteem. Below are a few of the famous golfers in Japan who have celebrity status. In Japan, golf courses are far above international standards, and the same goes for popular Japanese golfers. Being famous comes with an excellent package like getting commercial deals, and some even getting to promote or endorse products!
1. Ishikawa Ryo - He is the youngest winner ever of the Japanese Golf Tournament and the youngest player to reach the Top 100 of the Official Golf Rankings. He was also the “king of commercials” as he dominated in product endorsement at his peak.
※ Official World Golf Ranking, "Official World Golf Ranking Week 52 2008," p.2
2. Masashi Ozaki - He is one of the top golfers in Japan and featured as one of the Top 10 in the World Golf Rankings. He has a total of 94 total wins in golf from 1973 to the early 2000s, and was awarded with the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
※ World Golf Hall of Fame, "Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki"
3. Isao Aoki - He is a professional Japanese player that achieved the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. He won the Japanese Golf Tour Money five times in six years and is flanked in history as one of the best golfers in Japan.
※ World Golf Hall of Fame, "Isao Aoki"
4. Hinako Shibuno - She is one of the most famous female golfers in Japan and is best known for winning the 2019 Women’s British Open.
※ AIG Women's British Open, "AIG Women's British Open - Final Scoreboard"
5. Momoko Ueda - At the age of 21, she is the youngest golf player to finish first in the Japan LPGA Tour.
※ Ladies Professional Golf Association, "Bio"
A Brief Guide to Playing Golf in Japan
Playing golf in Japan is no different from playing golf anywhere else in the world. Golf etiquette is strictly followed. Punctuality is adhered to when playing golf in Japan to disrupt the schedules of other golf players. There is also a strict dress code of wearing pants in the golf courses. Japan also adheres to groups (with a minimum pair) to play in the golf course and strictly prohibited playing as a single individual. Lunch is served after nine-holes where lunch usually lasts for forty-five minutes to one hour.
Most golf courses in Japan require at least a 1 year membership fee for people to enjoy the golf courses. However, more and more courses have opened up options for guests and visitors, including tourists. Reservations prior to playing golf is a must as golf is in-demand in Japan. This can be done online for most golf courses.
In the past, golf was considered a costly sport in Japan because of its exclusivity. Since the boom of golf markets in recent years, it is now more accessible for the general public to make a golf reservation and play golf. Most golf courses also accept golf newbies.
Some of the top golf courses in Japan
And last but not least, here are some of the most notable golf courses in Japan.
1. Hirono Golf Club
According to the Top 100 Golf Courses of Asia 2020, Hirono Golf Club is still the number 1 golf course not just in Japan, but in all of Asia. Hirono Golf Club is also known as the Pine Valley of the country as the golf course is surrounded by towering pine trees. The golf course is located in a woodland area and the whole course is made by hand without machine or equipment interference!
※ Top 100 Golf Courses, "Japan"
2. Fuji at Kawana Hotel Golf Course
This golf course was also designed by the aforementioned Alison and was established in 1936. The Fuji at Kawana Hotel Golf Course offers a breathtaking 18-hole golf course landscape with a spectacular view of both the sea and mountains. This golf course is very exclusive, as it is only accessible to hotel guests.
※ Prince Golf Resort, "Kawana Hotel Golf Course Fuji Course"
3. Tokyo Golf Club
With over 100 years of existence, Tokyo Golf Club boasts a lot of history. It has hosted a number of golf championships and golf international matches. The Tokyo Golf Club has surpassed a lot of obstacles, the first of which was because the Tokyo Golf Club was built on leased land and was transferred. The second was being seized during WWII but was quickly reclaimed after the war to become what it is known today. All of these proves that the Tokyo Golf Club can surpass anything and continue to be Tokyo’s premiere golf club.
※ Tokyo Golf Club, "History"
4. Naruo Golf Club
The Naruo Golf Club leans more on the traditional golf playing setting as compared to its modern counterpart. The techniques played in golf can be learnt by its more senior and expert players, where the average age of its 700 members combined is 71 years old! This golf club focuses on decorum and etiquette and believes that golf is an art and should be taken seriously.
5. Sun Park Sapporo Golf Course
Sun Park Sapporo Golf Course offers both beginner golf courses and advanced golf courses, which is perfect for newbie golfers or professional players. The golf courses also offer several large and small ponds, which adds thrill to the golf game!
There are other best course golf clubs in Japan like Koga Golf Club in Fukuoka, Karuizawa Golf Club in Nagano, Oarai Golf Club located in Ibaraki, Nikko Country Club in Nikkō-shi and more. And we cannot forget to mention Kasumigaseki Country Club which got rid of their all-male membership policy to admit women as full members of the club in order to host as the venue for the 2020 Tokyo Golf Olympics. The beautiful golf course will be a sight to see in the Olympic games.
Summary
With Japan’s refreshing natural landscapes, it is the best venue to have lush and expansive golf courses. Both foreigners and locals can enjoy playing golf with a relaxing and breathtaking landscape to boot! Japan remains as one of the prime golf destinations around the world as it offers challenging golf courses, excellent customer service, and an overall superb golfing experience for foreigners. There's a lot of options, and whether you play with friends or large groups, playing golf in Japan is truly hard to miss.
