July 22, 2010 - Club Fitting···Rubbish or Reality?
by Tom Fielding
Are you an off the rack guy? Have you ever experienced a custom tailored suit? All of you fall into either category, so in this feature I will let you know the "real deal" on Club Fitting and expel the myths.
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Dec. 14 - Get the most out of your balls..!
by Bennett Galloway
In this feature I have enlisted the help of renowned Boston University Athletic Enhancement Center sport psychology coach Adam Naylor to take us through the ins and outs of hitting balls on Japanese driving ranges that produce a teed up ball every 2.5 seconds!
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November 4, 2009 - "Turn" Over a New Leaf
by Craig Roberts
In this feature I would like to talk about the word "TURN" and what it means when referring to turn in a golf swing. For those who have not read my first article titled "Body Angles and Body Shape" I suggest to read it first, followed by this article to help you understand the basics of the Reverse K set up.
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July 28, 2009 - The Art of Putting
by Tom Fielding
The goal in putting is quite simple -- get the ball in the hole in as few as shots as possible. There is no question that
many different styles are possible in trying to do this. If you walk onto a practice range at a PGA tournament or turn
on the TV to watch the PGA tour players of today, you will still see some very creative looking actions.
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June 12 - Interview - Hiromi Go
by Paul Jones
Hiromi Go and his contributions to the music and entertainment industry in Japan is almost second to none. Hiromi has been recognized by both his peers and applauded by his huge following for over 35 years.
This superstar of the Japan music and entertainment industry took the time recently from his busy schedule to talk about one of his key passions, the game of golf.
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May 29, 2009 - Interview with David Leadbetter
by Paul Jones
During a recent trip the USA I had the pleasure to pose some questions to the worlds most recognized and respected Golf Instructor, David Leadbetter.
Over the past 30 years David Leadbetter achievements both on the course with players and off course in business have allowed him to enjoy the tile as world number 1.
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April 6, 2009 - Japanese Golf Lingo 2
by Willy Badger
Language warning: Some of the terms are for guys talking with guys.
I had the chance to pick my old friend, Hideaki Suda's, brain on some Japanese golf lingo. He managed to unload a whole treasure trove of important and amusing terms the Japanese use during a round of golf.
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February 11, 2009 - Body Angles and Body Shape
by Craig Roberts
As a coach who teaches all sorts of players from absolute beginners to top amateurs and professionals, I believe it is very important, for the success of any shot that all golfers have a sound understanding of the correct set up before he or she attempts to swing a golf club.
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November 24 - Choosing the Right Shaft Flex···Fact or Fiction?
by Tom Fielding
Shaft Flex, what do you need to know to help choose the shaft that's right for you?
There are so many shafts on the market, each having their own special features, and the million dollar question is: how will I know which one is best for my particular needs?
Here is a user friendly guide to help you through that maze of information and gain the necessary knowledge on golf shafts......
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September 23, 2008 - A Grand Opening in Niseko, Japan
by Bennett Galloway
Who says luxurious golf in Japan is a thing of the past? Hilton Hotels and Resorts has stepped up to raise the bar on luxury and service by providing a golf experience seldom found in today's Japan. Give a wee nod to the doorman as you strut from the entrance of the new Hilton Niseko Village straight into your golf cart, and a mere 30 seconds later you are on the first tee.
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August 29, 2008 - Showa no Mori The little course that could
by Willy Badger
Once upon a time a super rich electronics company in Japan built their private golf course to play setai golf. Setai golf is a term used in Japan as a way to close the deal for businesses. Basically, they invite potential clients up for a round of golf, lavish them with Gifts, Geishas and Guarantees.
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June 27, 2008 - The Mystery of Miura
by Bennett Galloway
Ever wonder who makes the best golf clubs in the world? In this feature we are going to try to shed some light on the mystery behind one of the worlds best and most sought after golf gear companies, Miura Golf. I recently had the pleasure of meeting and sitting down with the Asia and Japan Representative for Miura Herb Wakabayashi.
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May 17, 2008 - The Accidental 'Compe'... It's easier than you think!
by Toshimitsu Rohlich
The common assumption of most people (myself included) about golfing in Japan is that it's way too expensive and inconvenient, so I figured when I moved here two years ago I would have to give up the game I've played and loved since grade school. But, before I knew it, the golf bug had gotten the better of me. I'd bought a set of clubs and began regularly going to the driving range near my house.
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May 2, 2008 - Interview with Hiroshi Tahara Pro
by Willy Badger
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to sit down with a legend in Japanese golf, Hiroshi Tahara. He is a former regular Tour Pro and the current honorary head pro for Gunma Country Club. Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, Gunma Country Club features a spectacular panoramic view from the club house restaurant to the nearby mountains.
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Jan. 28, 2008 - How to do lifting!
by Willy Badger
Whether you like it or not, we are always trying to impress our friends. It may be a long drive or an eagle putt. It may be the clothes you wear or the club you swing. If you are beyond any of those possibilities. I offer you a different approach to being the center of attention on the golf course.
Well. . . for at least 30 seconds anyways.
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Jan 19, 2008 - Asia's Sleeping 'Tiger' Awakes
by Bennett Galloway
Smiling faces, great food, unbelievable hospitality··· and now multiple world-class golf courses make Thailand the perfect place for winter golf getaways. Thailand has long been a favorite for ex-pats living in Asia looking for rest and relaxation and these days you'll even find detoxification retreats to rid you of your self inflicted Johnnie Walker and Habana's!
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Nov. 8, 2007 - Midriffs Short Shorts and a Slap in the Face
by Willy Badger
If I had a love child with Nancy Lopez in University, our daughter would be twenty and playing on the LPGA tour. That would make me a concerned Daddy.
"She wears short shorts If you dare wear short shorts NAIR for short shorts."
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Nov. 2, 2007 - A Pebbles' Throw from Tokyo
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Kawana Hotel & Golf Club
by Bennett Galloway
The Kawana hotel opened its doors in 1936 and features two of the finest coastal links courses you'll find anywhere in the world.
In its heyday the resort was a buzz with valets scurrying about in service of their cherished customers who comprised the most discerning of Japanese and overseas society.
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Oct. 7, 2007 - Golf Lingo
by by Willy Badger
When you arrive at your course of choice, you are usually greeted by a barrage of bag handlers. It is wise to close all your zippers on your golf bag, so when the handlers get your bag out of your trunk you won't lose anything. In Japan image is almost everything so maybe give your car a once over before people you don't know go foraging through your stuff in NASCAR-like pit stop speed.
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Aug. 30, 2007 - Guilt and the Golf Game in Japan
by by Willy Badger
I wake up at 6 am. I am psyched up for a great day of golf. My wife and kids are still sound asleep. I make my breakfast. Yes, no nato for me. I take out my frozen two liter Aquarius bottle from the freezer. Bugs Bunny's Foghorn Leghorn's advice to the young chicken hawk, rings in my head, "Keep your eye on the ball.
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Aug. 11, 2007 - The Bell Canadian Open
by by Willy Badger
Beavers, Sasquatches and SkiDoo Suits. Championship
Nestled in the vast barren freezing tundra is a country called Canada where live a bevy of beaver loving brave Canadians who bear the beastly bleak temperatures to compete in a 5 million dollar Tiger-less Canadian Open.
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Jul. 20, 2007 - Curse of the Claret Jug
by Willy Badger
In 1875 Tom Morris Jr., the first name to be engraved on The Claret Jug, was playing in an exhibition with his father against Willie and Mungo Park. Combined, the four men won the The Claret Jug 13 of the first 15 times. During that match Tom Morris Jr., was informed that his pregnant wife was rushed to the hospital.
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Jul 3, 2007 - Golf in Niseko, Asia's Answer to Whistler
by Bennett Galloway
When you think of Hokkaido it usually first brings up images of pristine powder snow topped mountains and vast flat wide open expanses, but when the snowfields turn to green meadows, golf takes center stage and the people here trade in their boards for sticks.
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Apr 30, 2007 - Game On!
by Bennett Galloway
The golf season is well underway and it's time to get out and enjoy some of the two thousand three hundred and forty courses Japan has to offer! Whether you've been active or on the couch since ski season, warming up your body for golf is as equally important for the athlete, as it is for the couch potato!
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Feb 14, 2007 - Japan Golf Tours
by Bennett Galloway
Finally, a company dedicated to helping international golfers get access to and experience some of the most amazing golf available anywhere in the world, and it's right here in Japan! I had an opportunity to speak with owner and founder John Thornton, about what led him to creating golf tours to Japan.
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Dec 6, 2006 - Tom Doak Interview
by Paul Jones
Tom Doak has emerged as one of the most prolific and respected designers of golf courses in the modern day. I had the opportunity recently to ask a few questions about the man, golf course design and impressions of golf in Japan.
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Nov 24, 2006 - Gearing Up for Winter Golf
by Bennett Galloway
The summer heat has left us and the leaves are beginning to fall. Most of you are probably starting to think about retiring your clubs for the season and focusing on winter sports like skiing and boarding. For some of us it's not that easy to turn off the game and the desire to tee it up lasts all year!
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Sep 1, 2006 - Respecting Your Game
by Bennett Galloway
I had the pleasure of having lunch with a very inspirational person a while back whose face you might recognize. Bobby Valentine is the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball club, an engaging speaker, management guru, and an accomplished ball room dancer to boot!
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June 10, 2006 - Adrift in a Sea of Golf Balls
by Bennett Galloway
I'm often asked by my students what kind of ball I prefer to play. My usual response is "lost ones"!! Seriously though, there is an absolute "tidal wave" of choices out there providing you with a full spectrum of performance characteristics to choose from.
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April 5, 2006 - The Secret to Scoring Well
"Shhh.....Don't Tell Anyone"!
by Bennett Galloway
People often ask me what the most important factor, or part, of the golf swing is? If you didn't know, it's "Consistency". It doesn't matter how erratically you jab, swipe, poke or slash at the ball, if you can do it the same way every time, you can score well!
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is a long time resident of Japan and the Director of Golf for Gotemba Golf Club and Belle View Nagao G.C., in Shizuoka, near Mt. Fuji. He is also a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and a teaching professional, providing lessons for all ages and abilities, in English or Japanese.
is based in Tokyo and is currently principal and managing partner of ARENA, a platform committed to business development opportunities in Japan and Asia Pacific region. Paul has held roles in all facets of hospitality and leisure industry including management, operations, acquisitions, asset management, marketing/sales, retail and development.
has been living in Japan for 12 years. He is a "Daidogei" comic juggler and golf comedian living in Gunma, Japan. In 2008, Willy's mission is to help foreign golfers feel at ease playing golf in Japan and to introduce them to the beautiful Hot Springs & Outdoor Activities of Gunma.
