The Tokyo Golfer

Interested in golf lessons in Tokyo? This is the perfect place to begin.

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The Tokyo Golfer Project

The mission of The Tokyo Golfer is to provide a base in Tokyo for golfers to learn and improve their skills. I have been a golf professional and a member of the Australian PGA for more than 20 years. Coaching and playing the game are my greatest strengths. I coach beginners through to tour professionals, so if you are interested to learn from a proper professional, then I am happy to help. Coaching golf is a true vocation, so it is imperative to learn from a professional who can not only teach the game but can also demonstrate at an elite level.

I am also passionate about helping golfers understand what a wonderful place Japan is to play golf. I want to provide the necessary information for golfers to make intelligent decisions on traversing this cultural golfing wonderland. I have no financial gain in providing this information, but am keen on ensuring guests play the right courses (at the right prices) and are provided an authentic Japanese golf experience. I have included information on the best places to play, where to stay, and my thoughts on the best transport options.

In the “Taiheiyo Club” section, I have written a comprehensive guide on each of our 18 courses as well as an introduction to our hotels and town club in Ginza. The rise of Taiheiyo Club is a story worth telling, as the transformation of a boutique Japanese golf company into a global brand is noteworthy.

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About Joe

I have been very fortunate that my work has taken me around the globe. I am an Australian PGA member and was lucky enough to spend 12 amazing years coaching golf at the Keppel Club in Singapore. For the last 10 years, I have been based in Tokyo. My current role sees me working for the finest golf club in Japan, Taiheiyo Club. Taiheiyo Club operates 18 of the finest golf courses as well as hotels, restaurants, and a newly opened town club in Ginza. My role is to ensure golfers have the best golfing experience that Japan can provide, which, of course, is to have a “Taiheiyo Club experience”.

I am still a golf coach and fortunate enough to be a Titleist and Flightscope brand ambassador in Japan. If you have any questions about any of the topics above, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Read Curated Content about Golf in Japan

Blog
Kawana - Fuji Course

The Fuji course at Kawana is ranked number 2 in Japan. Its a public course that is considered the Pebble Beach of Japan. I travelled there recently to play and thoroughly enjoyed the experience although not everything is as its seems.

Taiheiyo Club - Sagami

Taiheiyo Sagami is unique, quirky and fun. Close to Tokyo and only a stones throw from Mt Fuji this Shunsuke Kato design has some of the fastest greens and best views available in Japan.

Taiheiyo Club - Ichihara

Taiheiyo Ichihara is a brilliant layout with a great set of finishing holes. Easy to reach from Tokyo this tournament course has very distinct design language that makes it both memorable and a pace you will want to return to.

Fuji Classic 17th Hole - The Great Wave of Kanagawa

Taiheiyo Clubs Sano Hillcrest course is a fantastic layout and one of my favourite courses in Japan. While doing some recent research on the course I began a deep dive on the course designer, Desmond Muirhead. I must say I have become a Muirhead fan, not only because he designed some great courses but because he was apparently a bit of a hell raiser. Muirheads designs were influenced by art, literature, mother nature and especially marine life which he often integrated into his courses.

Taiheiyo Club - Gotemba West hotel

Renovated in 2019 I would best describe this hotel as a retreat, a place to rest and relax. The surrounding area is quiet and as you move around the property, Mt Fuji will continually pop into view above the Japanese cedars. The 1st tee of the Gotemba West course sits almost at your doorstep and the revered Taiheiyo Gotemba course only a couple of minutes away, making this hotel the perfect choice for golfers.

Accomodation - Where Golfers should stay in Tokyo

If you google the best places to stay in Tokyo you will be given a laundry list of suggestions. Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Roppongi will be some of the names that will pop up. They are all fabulous places but wading through all the content, trying to figure out the best option can be a difficult proposition. Therefore I have decided to make it easy.

Trees as Hazards - A Japanese Tradition

Trees in, or close to fairways are a very popular design element in Japan. Since living in Japan I have played only a handful of courses where a tree did not influence a shot from the fairway or the tee. The Japanese designer’s predilection in using trees as a hazard is interesting, especially considering it flies in the face of what the most influential architects preferred.

Golf in Japan - Transport Options

What is the best mode of transport to get to golf courses in Japan? It's a question I spend a lot of time answering so I have decided to write a brief about each option. It’s an important question too because traveling is very much part of the adventure of playing in Japan.

The Titleist Flagship Shirt

The three pillars of the Titleist performance clothing line are mobility, comfort, and weather protection. The advertising material states the flagship shirts provide the following benefits … Light, stretchy, non-sticky, breathable, water-repelling, quick-dry, UV protection, humidity control (cooling), and of course is comfortable. From my perspective, it's the best shirt I have ever worn.

The Seasons in Japan - When to Play Golf

Each season in Japan, especially Tokyo, provides a unique golfing experience. Golf is played all year in Japan and in the depths of winter it is not uncommon for booking sheets to be rather busy. If your trip is specifically golf then there are months which are preferable but really whatever month you decide on will be the right choice. Well, sort of …