Golf in Japan versus the US

I lived in Japan from 1991 to 2016, starting in the urban Tokyo area, then migrating an hour north to the suburbs for most of my time there

One-half of all of the golf courses in Asia are in Japan. They range from high-end private clubs to public courses to the bottom of the barrel – riverside courses that are cheap, but boring places. Golf courses are for golf only, there are no private clubs with family memberships, swimming, tennis, dinners or Sunday brunches.

What’s Different?

• No tattoos allowed (only the yakuza have them), except for one specific private course.
• Clubhouse dress code: sport jacket and leather shoes (jacket can be draped over arm in July/August). Bring a change of clothes and golf shoes.
• No hats upon entry. Everyone gets a locker.
• Riverside courses are walking only (some rare courses require a caddy for walking). Other courses use carts.
• College/high school teams can walk in the afternoons for a low fee, carrying bags and sand/shovel for divots.
• Starting times are reservation only; singles cannot just show up. Twosomes are common but not paired with others.
• Upon check-in, you receive a scorecard cover with your locker number and key. All charges are linked to your locker and paid at the end.
• Cash is preferred in Japan. Some places have self-checkout using the scorecard cover.
• No tipping.
• The driving range is for players only, not casual practice.
• Business people, not JPGA pros run courses; lessons are not typically available at the course.
• Caddies are optional.
• Courses start from both “in” and “out” tees (like in Europe), not “front” or “back” nine.
• Lunch is at the “crossover.”
• Private club play is limited (2-4 times/month) with per-round fees of approximately $200-$400.