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Editor's Pick

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

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

The Stats That Defined April On The PGA Tour Rahm enjoys Masters magic, Finau in fine form

There’s something about Spaniards and Augusta National

Maybe it’s the creativity needed to negotiate those vexing undulating greens or escape the abundant loblolly pines like Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal always seemed to do. Or maybe it’s the shot-making prowess Sergio Garcia displayed when he followed his idols and won the green jacket in 2017.

But just maybe it’s some of all three – with a little bit of fate mixed in. At least that’s what it seemed like on Easter Sunday when Jon Rahm won the Masters Tournament on what would have been Ballesteros’ 66thbirthday.

Rahm dedicated the victory, which moved him back to No. 1 in the world, to the charismatic five-time major champion who died in 2011 at the age of 54 after...

Herbert wins ISPS Handa in Japan DP World Tour

Lucas Herbert has won the 2023 ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP, securing his third DP World Tour title in a dramatic play-off against Aaron Cockerill.

The tournament was co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation and both players finished the final round on an impressive 15 under par, forcing extra holes to determine the winner. Herbert's recovery from an errant tee shot and a 12-foot putt at the second extra hole secured his victory and banished any memory of the travel issues he faced on his way to Japan.

After narrowly missing a 20-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, Cockerill played the 72nd hole knowing a birdie would clinch his first title. But his second shot landed in a greenside bunker, and Herbert had the advantage until Cockerill produced a...

Equipment

Callaway Paradym Driver Review Will there be a shift?

The new Callaway Paradym driver has just dropped in Japan, and there is a ton of hype around this series of clubs, Just in the last few weeks it has dominated the men's tour, with all tournaments this year so far being won by a player using Paradym (Jon Rahm twice, and the other being Tom Kim) and other staffers rocking the club also placed high on the leaderboards. Like all new drivers in the market, it's boasting more distance and forgiveness, but have they actually achieved that? We managed to get our hands on the available models for testing, and this is what we found...

Bridgestone And The Japanese Golf Ball As played by the GOAT

There was a big fuss made when Tiger Woods started using Nike golf balls. It was a huge boost for Nike and a huge boost for Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone. Why? Because it was Bridgestone who actually made the balls. Bridgestone has been in the golf ball-making business for 90 years and has over 600 golf ball patents to its name. Tiger still uses them – only with “Bridgestone” written on them now – as does Bryson DeChambeau and other top golfers.

And you can play with the exact same balls as Tiger and other pro golfers. The Bridgestone Tour B XS balls were made to Tiger’s specifications and Bridgestone’s B X balls were made with input from DeChambeau, Jason Day, and Matt Kuchar.

Curiously, for a golfer known as a big hitter, Tiger tests the ball on the putting green...

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

BMW I7

The electric car market has been rapidly expanding in recent years, and the BMW i7 is one of the latest additions to this growing market. As the world continues to shift towards more sustainable transportation options, electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. And with charging stations becoming more widespread, electric cars are becoming more practical for everyday use.

BMW, along with other car makers, is investing in increasing the availability of charging stations. BMW has partnered with ChargeNow, a network of public charging stations that offers BMW i owners access to over 65,000 charging points in 30 countries. The company is also investing in the development of high-speed charging stations that can provide a full charge in just a few minutes. This is essential...

An Insider’s Guide to Toranomon Hills Residential Tower These serene serviced apartments offer a blend of luxury living and home comforts in the heart of Tokyo

A well-located residential property that rivals a five-star hotel, is furnished to an impeccably high standard, and comes with friendly, hospitable staff? That doesn’t sound like a bad way to begin your new life in Japan, does it?

Whether you’re coming to the city on a short to medium-term assignment or wanting to get your bearings before settling longer-term, serviced apartments are a first-class option for temporary accommodation in Tokyo – especially if you are looking to make the most of your experience here.

Right now, the best-in-class serviced apartment in the capital has got to be the newly opened Toranomon Hills Residential Tower, part of the Toranamon Hills development project. I recently had a chance to visit the development and learn more about its urban...

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 If your ball strikes a fellow players ball on the fairway by accident, both players will play from where their balls lie. There will be no penalty...