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Editor's Pick

Titleist Introduces Next Generation T-Series Irons T100, T150, T200 AND T350

Titleist has just dropped the next generation of their Titleist T-Series irons. The series establishes a new standard in iron engineering, reaffirming Titleist’s commitment to creating the world’s best irons while providing golfers with optimized performance options throughout their bag.

The new tour-proven T-Series models – T100, T150, T200, and T350 – deliver an unrivaled feel with effortless turf interaction in four tour-inspired shapes, each designed to maximize the three dimensions of iron performance: distance control, dispersion control, and descent angle.

“The new T-Series irons embody a unique approach to iron design and creation,” said Josh Talge , VP, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “Down to...

Travel

What's it like to golf in Japan? FAQs when it comes to Asia's best kept golfing secret

Golf in Japan is as unique as the country itself. Across the more than 6,852 islands - including the four main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu - there are no less than 2,349 golf courses, varying from revered top-100 courses to riverside pitch and putts. The below information is aimed at newcomers to Japan and attempts to cover the basic questions on teeing it up in Asia's best-kept golfing secret!

Image: © shibuya246.com

Kochi Travel Guide Year-Round Golfing And Adventure!

Kochi is located on the island of Shikoku, in the southwest of Japan. Beloved by visitors for its unspoiled and surprisingly varied landscapes and has over 700 kilometers of magnificent coastline, which varies from wild rocky beaches with dramatic rock formations to pristine golden sands and turquoise water. It is one of the least populated areas in Japan which means you will have plenty of personal space when golfing or exploring.

This laid-back corner of Japan offers everything from secluded valleys and coastal retreats to lush mountains, and the year-round temperate weather also confirms it as a haven for travelers AND golfers who want something relaxing and different from pedestrian “Golden Route” escapes. Golf-wise, it's definitely quality over quantity, and from the 11...

Courses

Kasumigaseki Country Club Kawagoe, Saitama

Not much is known about Kasumigaseki Country Club outside of its domestic fanbase, but an upcoming appearance in the world’s greatest sporting contest is about to change all of that. Kasumigaseki CC beat other prestigious Japanese golf courses, including Yokohama Country Club and Wakasu Golf Links, to lay claim to Japan’s second Summer Olympics hosting gig – and its first Olympic golf competition.

Following last year’s completion of the redesign from legendary American golf course architect Tom Fazio, the course is now ready to welcome the best golfers on the planet as the countdown to July 29 begins. I was able to pay the course a visit in early May and get a preview of its impressive new layout, as well as learn more of its fascinating history.
Playing golf at Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Mie prefecture, Japan

Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club Ise Shima, Mie Prefecture

As a mid-handicap golfer, I’ve never played in any serious golf competitions. The monthly medal at my home course or a "few bob" on a skins game with friends is as close to real tournament pressure as I will ever find. But as a fan of the game, I do love playing championship courses. Remembering the epic battles of professional tournaments fought by the greats of the game, the shots that won them the tournament, how they played the course and their composure never fails to inspire us to try and bring some of that into our own games.

On a recent trip to Mie prefecture in the southwest of Japan, I was lucky enough to enjoy a round at the fantastic Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club. A masterful design by Mr Osamu Umeda, this 18-hole, par-72 course was made famous by being home to...

News

Fowler, Morikawa And Schauffele Commit To 2023 ZOZO Championship Tickets Now Available!

CHIBA, Japan –– Tournament officials announced today that Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, who have won a combined 18 PGA TOUR victories, will headline the 2023 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at ACCORDIA GOLF Narashino Country Club in Chiba, October 19-22, 2023. Joining the trio will be two of the PGA TOUR’s newest young stars, Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee.

Tickets for the 2023 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, the PGA TOUR’s premier event in Japan, go on sale from today, August 22, at 12 p.m. JST. Details on pricing and purchasing tickets are available on https://zozochampionship.com/en/ .

“We are thrilled to have Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele headlining the 2023 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP,” said Executive Director Travis Steiner. “Joining...

Matsuyama enjoys glorious finish to advance with four other Asian stars in FedExCup Playoffs

Hideki Matsuyama knew what he needed to do to extend his campaign in the FedExCup Playoffs and stay in the fight to keep alive a proud streak in his illustrious career. Being forced to wait for an hour and 37 minutes to complete the remaining three holes during a weather suspension in the final round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday only heightened the pressure-packed moment.

“I looked and saw what I needed to do on the final three holes. I knew I had to birdie them all. All I knew is I had to make birdies, so I just put my head down and did the best I could,” said Matsuyama. Once play resumed, the 31-year-old duly delivered, and in style too.

Upon his return to the par-5 16th hole, he striped a drive down the fairway before rifling a six iron to just...

Equipment

ProV1 and ProV1X: Which is right for you? Explaining the difference

There is no doubt Titleist are at the top of the golf ball game, and they've once again raised the bar with the latest 2023 versions of the Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. So does it make a difference which ball you use? Well, yes, actually! It's imperative to recognize that Pro V1 and Pro V1x possess distinct characteristics performance profile for different golfing styles. The question arises: are you a V player or an X player?

To guide you in this we have outlined below what kind of golfer typically thrives with Pro V1, and Pro V1x?

Titleist Introduces Next Generation T-Series Irons T100, T150, T200 AND T350

Titleist has just dropped the next generation of their Titleist T-Series irons. The series establishes a new standard in iron engineering, reaffirming Titleist’s commitment to creating the world’s best irons while providing golfers with optimized performance options throughout their bag.

The new tour-proven T-Series models – T100, T150, T200, and T350 – deliver an unrivaled feel with effortless turf interaction in four tour-inspired shapes, each designed to maximize the three dimensions of iron performance: distance control, dispersion control, and descent angle.

“The new T-Series irons embody a unique approach to iron design and creation,” said Josh Talge , VP, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “Down to...

Instruction

How to prepare mentally for Matchplay 4 keys to remember

Golf is a sport that requires both physical and mental preparation in order to perform at your best. While many golfers focus on the physical aspects of the game, such as swing mechanics and course management, it is equally important to focus on the mental aspects of matchplay. Get yourself ready for that monthly medal and learn how to mentally prepare for matchplay in order to give yourself the best chance of success.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that matchplay is different from strokeplay. In stroke play, the goal is to shoot the lowest score possible over the course of a round. In matchplay, the goal is to beat your opponent. This shift in mindset can be difficult for some golfers to adjust to, but it is essential to understand that matchplay is a...

What happens if I ground my club in a bunker? The new rules of golf explained

In 2020, the US Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) made several changes to the rules of golf.

One major change was to the "drop procedure" when a ball is lost or out of bounds. Players are now allowed to drop the ball from shoulder height, rather than knee height, making the process more consistent and less prone to mistakes. Another change was to the rule regarding penalty strokes. Players will no longer be penalized for accidentally moving a ball on the green, such as when marking or lifting it.

Additionally, players are now allowed to repair almost any damage to the course, such as spike marks on the green. The changes also include simplifying the rules for bunkers, allowing players to touch or move loose impediments...

Lifestyle

Rugby World Cup 2023 Experience Travel Packages available From Japan

The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan captured the hearts of millions and etched memories that will endure for a lifetime. Many people traveled to Japan to take in the games and also experienced some golf while here. AIR Golf was fortunate enough to work with the South African Rugby Union after the tournament and arrange some well-deserved R+R and golf for their team. Now, as the global rugby community converges in France for the 2023 edition, it's time to start organizing your trip to France.

STH Japan is offering travel packages for the 2023 Rugby World Cup Known for their expertise in curating top-notch sports experiences, STH has left no stone unturned in crafting premium travel packages for the Rugby World Cup 2023, and we highly recommend them if you are...

Italian Fine Jewelry Brand "FOPE" Opens First Flagship Store in Tokyo's Ginza Distric

Italian fine jewelry brand "FOPE" has opened its first flagship store in Japan, "FOPE GINZA," marking a significant milestone for the brand. Nestled amidst the opulence of Ginza, where luxury brands reign supreme, FOPE GINZA will captivate discerning shoppers with its understated elegance, becoming the brand's third flagship store in the world, following locations in Piazza San Marco in Venice and Old Bond Street in London.

Amidst the towering buildings that define the vibrant cityscape of Ginza, FOPE GINZA stands out with its new elegant two-story white building, housing FOPE's finest creations and representing its inaugural flagship presence in Japan.

More on Air

What happens if your ball strikes another players ball? Golfing Rules, Seriously!

On the course this past weekend, I putt from just off the green and my ball struck my playing partners ball, knocking it closer to the hole.

After a quick giggle, we began to discuss the ruling, 'I'll play from there and its a one-shot penalty for you' my friend said. 'I was off the green' I said, 'Doesn't matter' he said. Right, I said. 'Hang on, and I'll consult the rule book'.

Luckily, I had The R&A's Rules of Golf on my phone (Well worth a download and it's FREE)

Without quoting the book verbatim, there are basically three scenarios which you should be mindful of:

On the Fairway (updated June 14th, 2023) If your ball strikes a fellow player's ball on the fairway by accident, The 9.6 rule comes into affect, meaning If my ball...

Top 5 Seve Ballesteros quotes

Here at AIR, we love Seve. He inspired us on and off the course. He was a gentleman, a man of great passion and a fierce competitor... and well just Seve...

Here are 5 Quotes that aplified his unique and charaismatic sense of humor as well as his passion for the game:

1. I look into eyes, shake their hand, pat their back, and wish them luck, but I am thinking, I am going to bury you.

2. I'd like to see the fairways more narrow. Then everybody would have to play from the rough, not just me. 3. A detailed analysis of his four-putt at the 1986 Masters: I miss the putt. I miss the putt. I miss the putt. I make. 4. I always putted without a glove but I have no idea why - I saw others doing it and copied them. 5. They say I get into too many bunkers. But is no...

What happens if I ground my club in a bunker? The new rules of golf explained

In 2020, the US Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) made several changes to the rules of golf.

One major change was to the "drop procedure" when a ball is lost or out of bounds. Players are now allowed to drop the ball from shoulder height, rather than knee height, making the process more consistent and less prone to mistakes. Another change was to the rule regarding penalty strokes. Players will no longer be penalized for accidentally moving a ball on the green, such as when marking or lifting it.

Additionally, players are now allowed to repair almost any damage to the course, such as spike marks on the green. The changes also include simplifying the rules for bunkers, allowing players to touch or move loose impediments...