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Is It Time For Golfers To Start Seriously Considering EVs? Audi Q4 Etron Reviewed

In Japan, we are gifted with over 2,000 courses spread out all over the country, there are literally world-class courses everywhere, and some of my favorites are over 2 hours drive from Tokyo. Generally, golfers in Japan have not embraced EV or electric vehicles to date, as these longer trips make golfers nervous about the EV’s range, and a lack of infrastructure has probably kept us in our gas guzzlers.

But inevitably, electric is where everything is going, and we all know that in 10 years we will own an electric car. However is the time to change now? The latest models boast more range than ever, are reasonably priced, and with moves to build public infrastructure is it time golfers seriously started to consider going greener? (Every pun intended). With that in mind, we took...

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Gordon Ramsay at the Conrad Tokyo

Gordon Ramsay at the Conrad Tokyo A culinary experience beyond compare

Among the definitive pleasures of the Conrad Tokyo in Shiodome is dining at the Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo, a French restaurant providing everything you expect of such a master under the expert supervision of Chef de Cuisine Maeda.The moody ambience of the Conrad Tokyo, ultramodern but with an emphasis on wood and natural tones, is carried seamlessly into the décor of Gordon Ramsay. Seven-meter-high windows remove the need for artificial lighting during the day and make possible low-key illumination after dark, allowing guests to enjoy a stunning meal while taking in the breathtaking light show that is Tokyo after dark.
Greg Norman

Greg Norman From the Golf Course to the Boardroom

One of the modern game’s most iconic players, Greg Norman is not only the “Great White Shark” on the golf course, but also in the boardroom. A savvy entrepreneur, Norman brings the same tenacity and passion for which he was renowned as a player and translates that into a slew of business enterprises spanning the globe.

Norman’s impressive golf resume includes 91 career victories (most notably the British Open in 1986 and 1993), three Arnold Palmer Awards as the tour’s leading money winner, becoming the first person in tour history to surpass the $10 million mark in earnings, and an induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Norman is one of those rare people who have a natural talent combined with a magnetic persona that enables him to achieve greatness both on and off...

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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...

Gold Bar Opens At Edition Tokyo Cocktails in Kamiyacho

Launching today, Tokyo's latest suave and sophisticated cocktail bar is born. Gold Bar in Tokyo Edition located in Toranomon (really Kamiyacho) is on the ground floor next to the entrance, and is presented as 'An urban hideaway where guests can savor luxurious and exceptional moments'.

The decor is certainly reminiscent of the roaring 20s and is quite lavish; gold leaf and plush armchairs within a tastefully lit room, blending the contemporary style of the hotel, the Gold Bar will definitely be a hit with the local business crowd as well as pre-dinner cocktails for Tokyo Ex-pats.

Is It Time For Golfers To Start Seriously Considering EVs? Audi Q4 Etron Reviewed

In Japan, we are gifted with over 2,000 courses spread out all over the country, there are literally world-class courses everywhere, and some of my favorites are over 2 hours drive from Tokyo. Generally, golfers in Japan have not embraced EV or electric vehicles to date, as these longer trips make golfers nervous about the EV’s range, and a lack of infrastructure has probably kept us in our gas guzzlers.

But inevitably, electric is where everything is going, and we all know that in 10 years we will own an electric car. However is the time to change now? The latest models boast more range than ever, are reasonably priced, and with moves to build public infrastructure is it time golfers seriously started to consider going greener? (Every pun intended). With that in mind, we took...

Enjoy A Staycation In The Heart Of The City This Is What You Experience With the Roppongi Hills Serviced Apartment #3

Photo by Kohei Omachi Edit by Jun Ishida Text by Akane Maekawa Translation by Yoshiko Kogi

Serviced apartments are gaining attention these days as we move through the transformation of lifestyles caused by the COVID pandemic. Serviced apartments have become spaces that meet a wide variety of needs for those who travel between city and suburbs, or for those looking to be refreshed from working from home. Three people who know Roppongi Hills well have stayed at its serviced apartment recently. This is what they have experienced.

Castiglion del Bosco golf and wine estate

The Club at Castiglion del Bosco is Italy’s only private, members-only golf club and features a world-class 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf.

When designing the course, Weiskopf added a short 19th ‘Brunello Hole’ to settle matches and where a hole-in-one wins a magnum of Brunello. It is also the setting for many fun member competitions and challenges.

Castiglion del Bosco is a historic 800-year-old estate in the UNESCO protected Val d’Orcia that spreads across 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) and comprises organic-certified vineyards, a state-of-the-art Winery and a luxury Rosewood hotel, centered on a medieval castle ruin and exquisitely restored hilltop village.

Take In Tranquility And Greenery In The Middle Of The City This Is What You Experience With The Roppongi Hills Serviced Apartment #2

Photo by Kohei Omachi Edit & TEXT by Jun Ishida Translation by Yoshiko Kogi

Serviced apartments are gaining attention these days as we move through the transformation of lifestyles caused by the COVID pandemic. Serviced apartments have become spaces that meet a wide variety of needs for those who travel between city and suburbs, or for those looking to be refreshed from working from home. Three people who know Roppongi Hills well have stayed at its serviced apartment recently. This is what they have experienced.

Stay Like You Live This Is What You Experience With The Roppongi Hills Serviced Apartment

Photo by: Kohei Omachi Edit by: Jun Ishida Text by Akane Maekawa Translation by Yoshiko Kogi

Serviced apartments are gaining attention these days as we move through the transformation of lifestyles caused by the COVID pandemic. Serviced apartments have become spaces that meet a wide variety of needs for those who travel between city and suburbs, or for those looking to be refreshed from working from home. Three people who know Roppongi Hills well have stayed at its serviced apartment recently. This is what they have experienced.

Remembering Seve’s special moment at the Memorial

By Jim McCabe

It is impossible to be cold at the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. Not in early June when stifling humidity engulfs the Midwest. But a lasting memory frozen in time? It happened right there at Jack Nicklaus’ famed club, no matter that temperatures were fixed in the 30s Celsius and sweat flowed excessively from a few dozen players who were grinding away on the range. Until they stopped. In unison. This is where the memory becomes frozen, an unforgettable sight that was a tribute to the aura of Seve Ballesteros.

It was June of 2010 and Ballesteros, then 53 and deep in the throes of a battle with cancer, offered his thanks to Nicklaus and his tournament committee for being that year’s Memorial Tournament Honoree. Unable to attend, the gallant...

Sakura Golf in Japan 8 courses to consider this Cherry blossom season

Nothing heralds that spring has arrived along with the new golf season like the cherry blossom. Each year, as soon as the national flower appears in late March and early April, the Japanese golfers hit the fairways to enjoy the new season and indeed life, which the blooms remind them is both precious and fleeting.

The blooms came a little early this year, but if you are planning on heading out this week or next, here are eight courses in eight prefectures that are within driving distance from Tokyo, that are open to the public, and that celebrate the Sakura in style!

The Cool California Coast

When golfers think of the California Coast, they think of Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, The Olympic Club, and the most recent PGA Championship course, Harding Park among others. These are some of the best golf courses in the USA and all have one thing in common: the California coastal climate.

When winemakers and wine lovers think about California Pinot Noir, they think Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara. These coastal wine regions are some of the best for growing and producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir due to the proximity to the coast.

Image by: Hari Nandakumar

Big Easy On The Course And In The Winery

I am very excited about AIR Golf allowing me the opportunity to write about 2 of my favorite things: Golf and Wine. Golf and Wine complement each other in so many ways and in this quarterly column we will be exploring the intersection as well as how each can be enjoyed on their own.

Several South African PGA golf professionals have had great success on the course as well as catching the wine bug and starting their own wine brands in their native land. With some of the most picturesque vineyards in the world, almost perfect Mediterranean climate and a diverse food and wine scene, there is no wonder why these South African’s got involved in wine.

David Frost (29 professional victories) and his family have been in the wine business for over 60 years. David has been in and...

Maduro Lounge Premium booze and all that Jazz at Tokyo Grand Hyatt.

It had been a fair few years since I had visited Maduro- the Tokyo Grand Hyatt’s plush Jazz bar located in Roppongi Hills. The entrance is a little hidden, its large wooden doors tucked away in between floors of the plush five-star property.

It’s a Thursday and the bar has just opened its doors, no band yet and it’s relaxingly quiet. Besides me, 3 suits are finishing off the day's business over a drink and two couples are having an aperitif before dinner.

The interior is exactly what you would expect for a luxury jazz joint. Tastefully backlit, comfortable chairs and round candlelit tables are around a typical jazz band stage. To the right is the bar, boasting a hefty selection of rare whiskeys-more on that later. I settle into a back table and peruse the menu.

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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...