Your Guide to Japanese Golf Etiquette
About Golf in Japan: What You Need to Know
Did you know?
There are about 2,350 golf courses in Japan. A large number of these where constructed during the "bubble-years" in the late 80's and early 90'.
Japan's first golf club was established in 1903 by an English expatriate. This led to Japan's early golf culture being influenced by the British way of doing things. Since then, influences from other major golfing nations have been absorbed and adapted to the Japanese cultural environment. As a result, you may find that things are slightly different from what you are used to in your home country.
To ensure that you enjoy your golfing experience in Japan, we recommend you take the time to familiarise yourself with the following guidelines.
Golfing Attire
In summary, you are expected to wear traditional, conservative golfing attire in Japan while at a golf course clubhouse. We'll clarify what this means below.
In the Clubhouse
Most clubs will not allow you to enter wearing casual attire such as jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts, sandals, or flip flops. We recommend wearing chino pants or slacks instead of jeans and polo shirts or high neck shirts instead of t-shirts. Similarly, go with leather shoes, deck shoes, or nice sneakers instead of sandals or flip flops.
In our experiences, Men are expected to wear a blazer or a sports jacket, however a golf jacket (wind jacket or cardigan with a collared shirt on the inside will also be accepted). Casual attire, such as blousons or sweaters, is not allowed. Ladies are not required to wear a blazer; however, they are expected to dress modestly.
On the Course
When playing, casual attire, such as jeans and t-shirts, is not allowed. Shorts are permitted in summer; however, they must not be much higher than the knee. Footwear during play is limited to golf shoes (either soft spiked or without spikes). Sneakers or metal spiked shoes are not allowed. During Play, all players must wear a shirt with a collar. Shorts may only be worn in combination with long socks, which must completely cover the ankle-area.
What to wear on the golf course:
Please wear collared sports shirt or cuffed turtle neck.
Please tuck shirttails inside slacks, and do not allow them to hang outside.
Please refrain from wearing cargo-type pants and shorts with large swelling pockets.
Please refrain from hanging towels around your neck, shoulders, or down your waist.
If you decide to wear shorts, please make sure to wear socks or short socks.
Please make effort to wear well composed clothes deemed appropriate for golf etiquette.
You are allowed to wear functional shirt underneath half sleeves shirt.
For men : Please do not wear pants with elastic (e.g.7inch pants,cropped pants,etc.),spats,leggings,etc.
Caddy Tipping
Caddy tipping is NOT customary in Japan. Often, there will be one caddy provided per group of four. It’s always a pleasure to be able to play golf with caddies, so please treat your caddy with respect. We have never seen a caddy hit a bad shot, and your caddy will do more for you than you would ever expect, and always with a smile - so abusive behaviours toward your caddy will not be tolerated at any time.
Check-in At Golf Courses
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.
Golf Play Schedule
Until fairly recently, golf in Japan was a sport mainly played by the upper class. Clubhouses served as venues for socializing with important business contacts. Many golf clubs still maintain this function and atmosphere.
Most golf games in Japan follow this format:
AM: Two hours of golf playing the first nine holes.
Lunch: Break for roughly an hour to eat lunch at the clubhouse. This is usually a large meal and an important part of the golfing culture in Japan. We recommend you avoid having a large or late breakfast. The scheduling of your lunch may vary according to how busy the course is on the day.
After Lunch: Two hours of playing the remaining nine holes.
Clubhouse Facilities
While most golf courses in Japan have a membership system, visitors are usually permitted to use all of the same facilities as members, including the locker room and bathing/showering facilities - so if you wish to utilise these facilities, please be sure to pack accordingly beforehand with a change of clothes (make sure to always adhere to attire requirements, towels will be provided at the course at request).
Distance Measurements
In Japan, the metric system is used. However, all golf courses display distances in yards only.
1 yard = 0.9144 meters
1 meter = 1.094 yards
The Wrap Up
Golf in Japan is something you HAVE to experience. Yes, it is ritualised, and yes, it does take almost all day to play a round. However, you are left with an understanding of how wonderfully dedicated and perfectionistic Japanese golfing culture is, and how amazing the country and its fabulous golf courses are. Japan offers some of the most unique golfing experiences you can have anywhere in the world.
Thank you for reading through this guide to golfing etiquette in Japan. We hope you have an amazing Tour, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Safe travels and bon voyage!