Learning to Practice
Finding golf instruction and places to practice in Japan can be a challenge at the best of times. This month we give you a rundown on the protocol of practicing, as well as some foreign and Japanese instructors that can help prime your game as the golf season gets into swing.
INSTRUCTION THE BASICS
Learning golf in Japan predominantly takes place at
the driving range. Great programs also exist on courses throughout the country,
ranging from one day to a week. Here are some key points about learning the game
here in Japan.
Private Lessons range from ¥ 6,000 to ¥ 14,000 per hour, depending on the
instructor and the venue.
Group lessons range in price from ¥ 2,500 to ¥ 5,500 per
hour, again depending on the instructor and venue.
Reservations can be made with the driving range reception, online, or by
contacting the instructor directly.
FOREIGN INSTRUCTORS IN JAPAN
Todd Baker [Canada] PGA Instructor at the
Jack Nicklaus Golf Center in Omori, Tokyo. Private and Group lessons a specialty
at this Tokyo facility. Tel [03] 3298-5211
Bennett Galloway [Canada] Director of Golf
at Gotemba Golf Club, Shizuoka. Instruction is available both on and off-course,
and the location near scenic Mt. Fuji ensures a great golf experience. Tel
090-9892-4319 E-mail
ben-galloway@gotemba-gc.co.jp
Paul Jones [Australia] PGA Instructor and
Director of Education for Accordia Golf Japan. Based in Tokyo at the Meiji Jingu
Driving Range, Gaienmae, Tokyo. Private, group, on-course and golf getaway /
schools available. Tel [03] 6688-1561 or 080-1042-6811 E-mail
paul.jones@accordiagolf.com
Korki Tsurumi [Japan] Only Japanese British
PGA Instructor. Director of Instruction at the David Duval Academy, Miyazaki. On
and off course instruction and video swing analysis. Private and small group
lessons available [less than three people per group]. Tel 0985-38-1210 | E-mail
ktsurumi@troongolf.com
Jeff Vander Hoot [USA] PGA Instructor at the
Swing Himonya golf facility in Meguro, Tokyo. Specializes in private, group and
on-course lessons. Tel [03] 3794-0109
DRIVING RANGES THE BASICS
All driving ranges are open to the public.
The price per ball varies from as
little as five yen to 35 yen in the metro area. In some cases an uchi hodai
(unlimited balls) deal is available, and this can be the best value.
Reservations for bay usage are not required. Simply arrive at the facility and
purchase either a range card or tokens for the ball-dispensing unit. Sometimes
there is a bay rental fee of between ¥ 300 and ¥ 600.
Dress code is casual, with
both golf shoes and casual footwear permitted.
Club rental is available at all
facilities for those without clubs.
For a list of some of the best driving ranges in Japan, be sure to take a look
at our complete listing of facilities in the Tokyo area.
COURSE PROFILE
MIDONO COUNTRY CLUB
Located in nearby Gunma, Midono Golf Course is very
accessible from Tokyo. This 6,851-yard course was designed by the famous
Japanese course designer Seiji Seka and is located within a small valley. It has
some slight undulations, open fairways and large greens, making it playable for
all levels.
| Midono is a
great day trip for the keen golfer, but makes for a
perfect weekend escape from Tokyo with a night in
Karuizawa, one of Japanfs most popular resort areas. The
clubhouse facilities and restaurants area are also
reasonably priced. |
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Location Fujioka, Gunma Access 80 minutes
from Tokyo, via the Joshinetsu Expressway, Fujioka I.C.
Fees Weekdays from ¥ 8,500 Weekends from ¥ 12,500
Tel [0274] 24-6111
For more information on this course and others, visit
www.golf-in-japan.com
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
JAPAN GOLF NEWS
. Tiger roars. Tiger Woodsf win in The Masters is a sure sign that he is
back. He also has presented Nike with an estimated US $4 million dollar
advertising gain for the new golf ball that hung on the lip of the now infamous
16th hole chip during the final round.
. 9.9 million golfers. This is the latest figure released for the number
of golfers here in Japan, down from 13.7 million in 1994.
. Aifs in the money. Miyazato has taken over as the highest paid
professional athlete based in Japan. The only other Japanese athletes making
more yen are international baseball and soccer players based overseas.
. Watching the ladies. Japanfs win in the Womenfs World Cup this year has
been a contributing factor to the large galleries for the ladies tour in Japan.
In just two events this year, crowds are up 35% from a year ago.
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GolfSpeak |
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Stableford - A
method of scoring that uses points instead of strokes. |
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Paul Jones is the current Director of Education for Accordia Golf here in Japan. A AAA Australian PGA professional Paul has been involved in all facets of the sport and hospitality industry for the past 15 years.
