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Editor's Pick

Spa & Golf Resort Kuji Iwatecho, Ibaraki Prefecture

Less than two hours from central Tokyo, Spa & Golf Resort Kuji is nestled in the beautiful Hitachiota region of Ibaraki Prefecture. Renowned for its unique course layout and contrasting nines, I set out from Tokyo eagerly. Having seen pictures of the resort’s accommodations and expansive open spaces on the website, I mostly looked forward to getting away from the city for a few days.

As we arrived in the afternoon on a Friday, the summer sun had dipped behind the trees, casting a magical glow over the surroundings. Immediatley you notice the cool Western-style villas lining the fairways on the right and a large covered driving range to the left, as you enter the clubhouse car park you will see its adjacent the on-site hotel.

Pulling up to the entrance, the staff...

Travel

JNTO Launches New Inbound Golf Site

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched a fantastic new comprehensive golf guide for tourists. This site is the official guide of the Japanese government and is a tremendous guide for golfers coming to Japan.

You can discover some great courses, routes, and activity planners and it ties in with all the other amazing experiences in Japan- which are also part of the larger site.

Please check it out here: https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/golf/

AIR Golf Media was a proud collaborator in helping to create some of the golf guides and course listings, check out the 'Golfing Japan's Golfing Golden Route' here:

https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/golf/golfing-japans-golden-route/

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

Courses

Spa & Golf Resort Kuji Iwatecho, Ibaraki Prefecture

Less than two hours from central Tokyo, Spa & Golf Resort Kuji is nestled in the beautiful Hitachiota region of Ibaraki Prefecture. Renowned for its unique course layout and contrasting nines, I set out from Tokyo eagerly. Having seen pictures of the resort’s accommodations and expansive open spaces on the website, I mostly looked forward to getting away from the city for a few days.

As we arrived in the afternoon on a Friday, the summer sun had dipped behind the trees, casting a magical glow over the surroundings. Immediatley you notice the cool Western-style villas lining the fairways on the right and a large covered driving range to the left, as you enter the clubhouse car park you will see its adjacent the on-site hotel.

Pulling up to the entrance, the staff...

Beat The Heat with Stay and Play Golf Packages at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

Niseko, Hokkaido – This summer and fall, Park Hyatt Niseko invites you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hokkaido with our specially curated Stay & Play Golf Package. Enjoy a cooler round of golf while taking in the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Yotei and the Annupuri mountain range. Afterward, unwind in the tranquil indoor pool and rejuvenate in the saunas and onsen hot springs, making relaxation the heart of your stay.

News

Min Woo Lee Captures First PGA TOUR Victory at Texas Children’s Houston Open

Australia’s Min Woo Lee made history at Memorial Park Golf Course , clinching his first PGA TOUR title at the Texas Children’s Houston Open . With a composed final-round 66 , Lee finished at 20-under-par (260) , securing a one-shot victory over Gary Woodland and Scottie Scheffler . A Breakthrough Moment for Lee

At just 26 years old , Lee’s triumph came in his 56th PGA TOUR start , marking a significant career milestone. His record-breaking performance rewrote the tournament’s history books:

  • Lowest 72-hole score (260) in the event’s history (

    • ...

Hisatsune enjoys second top-10 of season at Valspar Championship

Japanese prospect Ryo Hisatsune produced an impressive tied fourth finish at the Valspar Championship on Sunday to notch his second top-10 of the season on the PGA TOUR.

The 22-year-old Hisatsune fired a closing 3-under 68 at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course to end the week on 8-under, three back of winner Viktor Hovland who shot a final round 67 to earn his seventh PGA TOUR victory. Justin Thomas finished runner-up following a 66.

Chinese Taipei's Kevin Yu enjoyed a tied 12th finish after signing off with a 71 for 5-under while South Korea's Byeong Hun An was a further stroke back in a share of 16th position after a 71 as well.

Hisatsune, playing in his second season on TOUR, produced some short game magic in his final round which included five birdies...

Equipment

Titleist T-SERIES Black Irons Limited Edition

Titleist has just dropped the Limited-edition T-SERIES Black Irons, all current models including "T100", "T150", "T200", and "T350" in limited quantities, available worldwide from February 28, 2025.

The new, more durable titanium carbide vapor finish gives the irons an even darker look than the previous T-SERIES black irons. The four models used on the world's top professional tours, the T100, T150, T200, and T350, were developed to maximize the three elements that lead to the ideal iron shot: distance accuracy, reduced variation, and proper landing angle, providing an overwhelming feel and performance.

Scotty Cameron Unveils New Studio Style Putters 2025 Studio Style series

Scotty Cameron is introducing a major update to its blade putter lineup with the 2025 Studio Style series. This 12-model collection combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations in materials, milling, and performance. The lineup includes both redesigned classics and entirely new models built to meet the demands of today’s golfers.

"The new Studio Style putters offer the most significant re-design of our blade line in years. While the name is a throwback, the technology, design and manufacturing methods are modern and brand new. Designed to produce remarkable feel and consistent performance, the new Studio Carbon Steel insert ensures softer sound for a confident roll on every putt. The chain-link face milling contributes to a new level of feel with roll performance...

Instruction

Threading Shots Through Gaps In The Trees Stroke Savers

I have played golf for more than 40 years. Most days on the course I find myself shaking my head at the dreadful decisions people make, especially after hitting their tee shot into the trees. The sound of the ball pinging around amongst Japanese cedars happens far to often and even has begun to creep into my dreams. You cannot imagine my frustration as I watch hard-working students not improve their scores because they try to weave their ball through a gap in the trees that even Phil Mickelson wouldn't attempt. Inevitably they end up with scorecard wrecking 9 and I realise their recent lobotomy was a complete success.

Golf courses in Japan are mostly parkland-style courses whose fairways are heavily tree-lined. It is quite a rare occurrence to play links golf here. Even the...

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...

Lifestyle

10 THINGS YOU (PROBABLY) DID NOT KNOW ABOUT JACK NICKLAUS

The name Jack Nicklaus needs a very little introduction in the world of golf. He holds the most major victories in history with 18 titles and has won 73 times on the PGA TOUR. The 84-year-old is also known as the Golden Bear and has carved his legacy by building and designing numerous golf courses around the world.

He also supports philanthropic and charitable efforts in the U.S., including Play Yellow which encourages fans to wear yellow on Sunday to celebrate his longtime connection with the colour and a Children's Miracle Network Hospitals campaign with the goal to raise funds to help the 10 million kids treated at local children's hospitals each year.

While his name is synonymous with the game, below are 10 things that you probably didn't know about Nicklaus as he...

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...

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...