How to play golf in Japan

Do you long to play golf in Japan? Are you wondering what it’s like? How is it different from playing in your home country?

Japanese golf courses are sophisticated and well organized. A day at the golf course in Japan is very structured but enjoyable. Though there are no strange customs, to make your round and day go smoothly, it would be ideal to learn a bit about playing golf in Japan.

You can make reservations to attend the golf course via internet. In Japan having an official HCP card (Golf Handicap Card) is not necessary. That means, there is no handicap limit to play either.

Here’s how a day playing golf in Japan looks.

On Arrival - Check In

When traveling by car, please approach to the entrance directly upon reaching the golf course. There will be a few caddies waiting for you to drop off your golf bag. They will then bring it to a cart and set it inside for you. After dropping off your golf bag, you can then move your car to the parking area.

If you are traveling by train / bus, you have the option to send your golf bag to the course in advance by using a delivery company. When sending your golf bags ahead, make sure they arrive at least one day prior to your round date.

Upon entering the club house, go to the reservation area to check in. At the reservation area they will tell you your tee time and provide you with a locker key. The locker key has a number on it which will be used as your account number. Such uses for the locker key include having lunch and purchasing goods at a shop. If you do not plan to use a locker, simply inform the staff, and you will be given a folder type without a locker key.

To use your locker key when making purchases, simply show your locker key with the number clearly visible, and the purchase fee will be charged to the account connected to the key number. During check out, before leaving the golf course, you will pay the total amount charged to your account.

Arrive at the Starting Hole 10 Minutes Prior to Your Tee Time

There you will find your cart with your golf bag set inside. If your group has a caddie, she/he will be waiting for you with the cart. Normally the caddies are very knowledgeable about many aspects of the course. The caddies will drive the golf cart, hand you golf clubs, and find your balls for you if needed. When asking the caddies for their advice, they can provide you with distance related information as well as putting lines.

What are these sticks for ?

These sticks can be found near the the teeing grounds of Hole 1 and 10. These sticks are used for deciding the playing order of members in a group (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th). Each stick is numbered with lines from 1 to 4. As an example, if one were to pick up a stick with 2 lines on it, it would mean that they play second.

Golf Carts Stay on the Path

At most golf courses in Japan, using a golf cart is mandatory. The golf cart will either be electric, which you can control freely, or a remote-controlled type. On most courses, driving on the fairway is prohibited, although recently, more courses have started allowing fairway access for an additional fee. In general, you can only drive on the designated cart paths.

At first, it may feel inconvenient to walk to your ball and then go back to the cart each time to get the right club. For this reason, it is necessary to carry a few clubs with you while walking on the fairway.

If you are used to walking with a golf trolley in your own country, this system might feel quite troublesome at first. There is a small golf bag called a "Self Stand Club Case" that allows you to carry a few irons and a putter while walking on the fairway. However, some courses do not allow small golf bags to be brought onto the course.

Have Lunch After First 9 Holes

At most Japanese golf courses, lunch time is pre-arranged. After the first 9 holes you will go back to the club house. Once back, they will tell you your tee off starting time for the 10th hole. The lunch break normally lasts about 50 minutes.

What to Do After Your Round

After playing the 18th hole you will then return to the club house. The caddies will help you with your golf bag by removing it from the cart and cleaning the clubs for you. Once they finish you will be asked to count your clubs, making sure they are all there. When you finish counting they will ask you to sign a piece of paper confirming that all golf clubs are there.

The next thing you will be asked is whether you would like to take your golf bag with you (if you came by car) or have it sent home separately. If you choose to take it with you, many courses will give you a small number plate, which you later exchange for your bag. At some courses, however, no number plate is used and you simply take your bag directly from the entrance. In either case, at most golf courses the staff will carry your bag to the entrance for you.

Before leaving, if you would like, you can take a bath/shower and relax at the restaurant with some drinks and snacks.

Check Out

When you are ready leave, visit the reception area to check out. There you will pay the total amount owed for the day. There are some golf courses that have a machine to handle these payments. Those who traveled by car will bring their car to the entrance and give the attendant the number plate in exchange for their golf bag.

How to Find Golf Courses in Japan　

Here is a useful English link to help in finding golf courses in Japan.

＊ Where to play golf in and around Tokyo

Although the link above focuses on the Tokyo area, it is quite easy to search for golf courses in other regions as well and read reviews online. In addition, many golf courses have English websites, so in most cases you can make a reservation directly.

That is generally the flow of a day on a golf course in Japan. Sounds simple and easy, doesn't it? Now you know what it's like to play golf in Japan. Enjoy your round!