Book Tee Times in Japan
Etiquette and customs of golf in Japan !
Your known rules of etiquette to play golf don't always hold good in Japan.This is not a country where you throw your bag over your shoulder and walk nine holes after work.There may be a strict protocol and structure to playing Japan. It is the best season to play in spring and autumn in Japan. In the summer of August, it may be too hot to play golf.Still, you can enjoy it all year long.
Please refer to youtube movies for enjoying a golf in Japan fully by watching them.
Arrive on time
If you have a reservation for a 9:00 tee time,you should arrive at the golf course at least by 8:00. I think arriving on time means that one hour prior to start.
Japan is a hot and humid country and it would be nice to wear shorts,but long pants are required at most courses.
Singles are not permitted
There is an unexpected rule for foreigners in Japan...singles are not allowed when playing golf in Japan: it's groups only on most courses.
So you need to be a twosome minimum or I will be your“golf partner” when you want to play golf in Japan.
Slow Play at the Golf Course !
How much time do you spend to finish a half nine hole ?
It is challenging for most golfers to count the time to finish one hole.When you tee up a ball on the par four hole, you should pay attention, whether there are golfers on this hole or not. If there are golfers on the green of this hole, you are considerably late playing.
It is ideal to play golf within 2 hours 15 minutes for a half nine hole.Your slow play is harmful to the Japanese golf course.
Most of all golf courses in Japan have separate tee-up place when your ball has gone out of bounds.We call it "playing four" place in the per four holes or "playing three" place in the per three holes.
Are you a beginner golfer?
If so, I'm afraid to tell you that you'll have a hard time playing golf in Japan. Only few golf courses in Japan accept beginners.
Please refer to the WEB page,"Tips for Fighting Slow Play at the Golf Course"
Check-in
When you arrive at the club for the round you will be greeted with a reception area similar to a hotel check-in. You will be given a little card holder and locker key with a number on the front. If you want to buy something in the pro-shop or a halfway house, you sign the chits with your assigned number and everything is charged to the card. As you leave, you settle the bill.
Lunch after nine holes
You stop after nine holes and have lunch at a restaurant. Some courses will give you a back nine starting time as you go in for lunch. It is around 45 minutes for your lunch. Even if you do not like it, you must have lunch.
No tipping
There is no tipping in Japan. This includes caddies, locker room attendants, etc.