There are unique customs associated with playing golf in Japan.
Golf clubs generally have a dress code that players are expected to follow. The dress code at exclusive golf clubs is similar to that at private golf clubs in Australia. Your host will let you know the dress-code for the clubs you’ll be playing at. Clean shoes are a must. There are dedicated shoe cleaning areas in most clubs.
Most golf club staff do not speak English and everything in writing will most likely be in Japanese only. Your host will assist with interpretation and advise the check-in and check-out procedures for each golf club.
One caddie is usually assigned to each group of golfers. Although English-speaking caddies may be scarce, there are usually ways to communicate effectively. Tipping caddies is not customary, but it is appreciated if given.
Golf carts are mostly included in green fees.
With the exception of golf clubs in Hokkaido and Okinawa, golfers stop for lunch at the turn. The lunch break is between 40 and 60 minutes. The menus generally have pictures making meal selection easy.
On the course
You may come across yellow flags on the fairways. These flags serve as a guide and indicate the ideal landing spot for a good tee shot. If you are playing behind a group that has passed the yellow flag, it's usually safe to tee off.
To expedite play on holes where OOB shots are common, you may find out-of-bound forward tees. These tees are typically located where a good tee shot would have landed. If your initial shot goes out-of-bounds or into the water, you will take your next shot from the OOB tee.
You may also come across yellow or black and yellow striped stakes on the course. If your ball crosses one of these boundaries, you will incur a one-shot penalty and must take your next shot from within two club lengths of the point of entry, no closer to the hole.
Blue Stakes mark an GUR area.
Japan has very extreme seasons. To ensure the greens remain playable all year round, a double green system was introduced. The greens used to have different types of grass, usually bermuda or zoysia for the summer greens and bent grass for the winter greens. Advances in turf management have reduced the need for different grasses but many courses still keep double greens as it is a great way to prevent excessive wear and tear.
Cleanliness and shoe etiquette is highly valued. When entering a locker room with a step up from the entrance or when entering a tatami room, a change in footwear is required. Visitors should be mindful of these customs. Your host will be on hand to remind you.
There may be an onsen in the locker room. Normal onsen customs apply.
