Golf In Japan
Incredible and Unique
If you ask those who have played golf in Japan before to describe their experience, two things will likely occur. Firstly a smile will appear. As they delve into the stories of their golfing sojourn you will get a sense of how special their experience was. Endearing and memorable are words that aptly describe what most golfers feel when they recount playing golf in Japan. When was the last time you could say that about a round of golf? Probably never. Japan is an intriguing place to visit and to play golf here is simply incredible.
Golf had always been popular in Japan but the infatuation heightened during the boom of the 1980s. It became a way for wealthy businessmen to entertain customers and clients. Golfers traditionally arrived at the club in a jacket and after breakfast together the lavish nature of the day began. Playing stroke from the back tees and strategically placed tea houses selling alcohol created long days. The break of an hour between each nine was designed for players to talk business. Upon finishing, the locker room became the first stop, as players would congregate in the onsen, relaxing while chatting about the days round. The players would then dress in their formal attire and head into the restaurant for a few drinks before heading back to Tokyo, making for a fantastic experience, albeit a long one.
Aspects from those days linger in the current format but what remains are the parts that make the experience memorable. Personally, I have always liked wearing a jacket to the course and during the cooler months it makes sense anyway. The break of an hour after the front nine remains part of the culture so I suggest embracing it as it provides a great opportunity to try one of the delicious meals on the club’s menu. A sake or beer at lunch is common also, so, when in Rome. The bathroom experience after the game is worthwhile. Bring a change of clothes and if you are unsure of the protocols then watch your Japanese counterparts. After a shower, sitting in the restaurant of a Japanese clubhouse, overlooking the course, dressed appropriately while having a sake or a glass of wine and some fresh sushi is just sublime.
The courses are an adventure in themselves. The layouts are beautifully designed with an aesthetic that I liken to a Japanese garden. There is a philosophical element included in the narrative of most courses that creates unique layouts. The Japanese course designers thought deeply about their creations which often included an artistic component that will be evident as you play. The conditioning of the courses is everything you could imagine and I can best describe as flawless.
You do not pay for a green fee in Japan, instead, you are paying for an experience. Japan’s golf courses are the equal of anywhere in the world but the day includes a level of service and thoughtfulness at each and every touchpoint that is unprecedented. The staff create a sense that your presence at the club is truly appreciated which is sorely lacking at many established clubs throughout the world. Upon leaving, the staff will usher you into your car with the caddies usually taking care of your clubs and luggage. As the staff stand patiently watching your car disappear a feeling will wash over you of having been part of something special, something more than just a round of golf.
The wonderful quirks you will encounter throughout the day are better described as attention to detail. The caddies, self-driving carts to the small metal clips attached to the dining tables to hang things on proves that no stone is unturned. The nuances are countless so I decided not to list them, instead letting each individual stumble upon them as the day unfolds.
To play golf in Japan takes effort but is far outweighed by the experiences you will encounter, in turn creating wonderful stories and lasting memories. A touring professional once described golf in Japan as Tina Turner. Simply the Best. I have to agree.
