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Editor's Pick

Setouchi Golf Resort Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture

Perched above the picturesque Seto Inland Sea, Setouchi Golf Club offers one of the best golf resort experiences in Japan. It has the 3 most important ingredients for any golfing trip; 1. The Setting: The sweeping vistas of the turquoise sea with beautiful wooded islands, and hemmed by the surrounding mountains are on par with any view in Japan. 2. A player's course: This is a golfing gem- challenging holes, superbly routed that demand your attention and are as beautiful as the backdrop- but more on that later... And no. 3. The Hospitality: This is one point where Setouchi soars above the rest; it is full of local, authentic charm, amazing cuisine, and friendly, good-natured people -are what defines this place.

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

Sepp Straka Shines in the Desert to Win The American Express 2025

In an electrifying display of skill and composure, Austria's Sepp Straka secured his third PGA TOUR title at The American Express, finishing with a commanding 263 (-25). The 31-year-old outlasted a competitive field, including a surging Justin Thomas, to claim a two-stroke victory and solidify his status among the game’s elite.

Dominance in the Desert

Straka, whose previous victories include the 2022 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches and the 2023 John Deere Classic, became the seventh international champion of this event since its inception. This win marks his first conversion of a 54-hole lead into a title, demonstrating poise under pressure in his 169th start.

His 27 birdies over the week tied him for the tournament's most with Cam Davis, and his...

Nick Taylor Triumphs in Thrilling Playoff at Sony Open in Hawaii

The 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii concluded in dramatic fashion as Nick Taylor outlasted Nico Echavarria in a playoff to claim his fifth PGA TOUR title. Taylor’s birdie on the second playoff hole at Waialae Country Club’s par-5 18th sealed the victory after both players finished regulation tied at 16-under 264.

A Historic Finish

This marks the 16th playoff in the tournament’s history and the first of the 2025 season. For Taylor, the win continues his perfect playoff record on TOUR, now 3-0. Echavarria, despite the runner-up finish, recorded his third top-two finish in his last six starts and moved to No. 5 in the FedExCup standings.

Taylor’s victory was powered by precision ball-striking as he led the field in Strokes Gained: Tee...

Equipment

Vokey SM10 Wedges Add Low Bounce K Grind and Oil Can Finish

Vokey Design is adding to its SM10 wedge lineup in 2025 with two new models: the 58.06K and 60.06K lob wedges. These wedges feature a low bounce combined with a wide K Grind sole, offering versatility around the greens while maintaining forgiveness, particularly in bunker play.

The .06K Grind is designed for golfers with shallower swings or those playing on firmer turf. Its development stems from feedback gathered from professional players and Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, who identified the need for a lower bounce option that still works with the wider K Grind sole. This design enables higher, softer pitches from tight lies, making it a practical choice for various conditions.

A Classic Look, Updated

The SM10 wedges will also be available in a limited-...

Titleist GT1 Series Review: Drivers, Fairway Metals, and Utility Metals

Golfers in Japan are in for a treat as Titleist Japan unveils the GT1 driver, fairway metal, and utility metal, set to hit shelves on February 21, 2025. Designed for players seeking higher swing speeds and effortless performance, the GT1 lineup introduces innovative technologies and materials that redefine lightweight golf club engineering. Here's a closer look at the key features and benefits of each club in the new GT series.

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 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...

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...