What’s the difference between golf in japan vs usa?

I’ve had several people ask me what’s the difference between playing golf in Japan vs. USA and I’m here to say that there are several BIG differences between the two golfing cultures.

I’m here to help you understand what it’s like playing golf in both countries so that hopefully, you’ll feel more prepared the next time you head to the course in either country for the first time.

Let’s talk about how the two countries compare in these areas:

Etiquette

Japan

I think this is the biggest culture shock for Americans playing golf in Japan for the first time.

Several courses require you to wear a blazer or sports jacket when entering the clubhouse. Golf shoes and golf hats are also not allowed to be worn indoors. Certain courses even have a dress code of not wearing golf clothes with loud colors or prints. Oh, and tattoos are a big no-no. You will have to cover them up when inside the clubhouse.

In other words, dress code is pretty strict, especially if you’re lucky enough to play somewhere nice like at the Tokyo Olympics’ golf course at Kasumigaseki CC. Oftentimes, people will check the golf course’s website ahead of time to see what the dress code is. Over the years, the dress code has become more relaxed though, perhaps to encourage more people to pick up golf.

USA

For the most part, you can show up to the course 10 minutes (or less) before your tee time and enter the clubhouse with full-on golf attire. As long as you don’t wear jeans and a t-shirt, you’ll be fine.

Clubhouse

Japan

Let me paint you a picture of a typical morning when arriving to the golf course in Japan. You can drive your car up to the front of the clubhouse and drop off your golf bag (most courses will have caddies who will take your golf bag from you and load it on a golf cart or leave it on a bag stand until it’s closer to your tee time).

When you enter the clubhouse, you will probably be carrying some kind of duffle bag (to store your golf shoes and maybe an extra change of clothes). After checking in (you pay after the round), you go to the locker room to hang your sports coat and change into your golf shoes. If you want to go hit balls, you normally would have to write down your locker key number outside where the golf carts are.

Now you’re ready to go warmup—or go straight to your tee if you’re that kind of person.

USA

Most likely you will park your car first and then either go get a golf cart and drive back to the car to get the golf bag or bring your golf bag to where the carts are. You then go inside the pro shop to pay for the round and you may pay for a bucket of balls there if you’re going to the range. That’s it, you’re all set now.

Greens

Japan

If you get to play golf several times in Japan, you’ll probably notice that some courses have two greens on every hole.

This is because Japanese people think of everything. They want to be able to play golf year-round and also be able to play on greens in good condition every time (every golfer’s dream). In order to do that, courses will close one green and use the other green depending on the season or some courses will even switch it up every day.

The greens usually have different types of grass, normally Bentgrass and Korai. Most greens in Japan in general are either Bentgrass or Korai.

USA

You only get to play on one green and the conditions are always hit-or-miss. There is nothing more frustrating to me than paying full price to play at a course with horrific green conditions. 😠

Majority of the greens in the U.S. is Bermuda, but Bentgrass is more common in the Northern states because of the cold winters. There are some courses along the coastline that have Paspalum (grass strong to salt) and there are some in California that have Poa Annua.

Golf carts

Japan

I remember when I played in a practice round with Sierra Brooks for the JLPGA Century 21 golf tournament, her family was so surprised to see golf carts moving on their own and controlled with a remote controller.

This is the norm in Japan. A lot of golf carts are four-seaters and are semi autonomous so that they can move along the cart path on their own with a click of a button.

You will hardly ever see these big golf carts on the fairway though. For the most part, Japanese courses are cart path only so it helps when you can control the golf cart from the fairway and not have to go back and forth.

Many golf courses are walking only as well and the caddies have a big pushcart that can hold up to four golf bags.

You can easily get your 10,000 steps when playing golf in Japan.

USA

You’ve seen those wild videos of golfers crashing their golf carts, right? Well, that’s kind of what it’s like. You get a two-seater golf cart and can pretty much drive it anywhere (within reason of course). Those days when it’s cart path only though are a pain with those carts. I much rather walk and carry my golf bag.

People have the option to walk as well and normally bring their own pushcart to carry their golf bag. Caddies are not really a thing in the U.S. unless if it’s at a really nice course.

Lunch

Japan

This one took me awhile to get used to.

Golfers are required to stop after nine holes and eat lunch in the clubhouse restaurant. I will say most courses in Japan are like this. You may be able to get away with eating lunch after the round if it’s not busy, but it really depends on the course. The break usually range from 40 minutes to an hour and a half.

When I play in mini tour events in Japan, we normally have to stop as well. Sometimes the meal is included in the overall price and at other courses, it’s not. When it’s not included, a lot of pros will bring their own lunch and eat in the locker room.

It’s easy to get tight and lose the momentum when you stop after nine to eat lunch, and that’s why it took me awhile to adjust to this system. I’ve gotten used to it though, and there are times where I look forward to the lunchbreak, especially to eat delicious Japanese food.

USA

I really love getting to play 18-holes without stopping. Maybe it’s because this is how I grew up playing golf (in Europe and in the States) but I think I would much rather bring snacks and have the option to eat at the restaurant after the round.

Price

Japan

Playing golf in Japan is definitely more expensive than in the U.S.

A typical weekday price is normally around ¥8,000-¥12,000 ($70-$106) but at least you will get to most likely play on a course in great condition, have lunch, sometimes have a caddie to help out with everything, exceptional customer service, and go to the ofuro (hot spring bath) after the round.

Not a bad deal when you think of it like that.

USA

There are courses in the U.S. that you can play for $15 (¥1,703). Of course the nicer the course, the more you pay but there are many nice courses for under $70 (¥8,000). All you get is the golf which I know for many people, that’s plenty.

Golf course community

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Japan

Typical golf courses in Japan will be tree-lined and you’ll see OB stakes quite often. One thing you won’t see is houses on the course. A lot of the courses are in the countryside, surrounded by nature. Very peaceful.

Some golf courses have a hotel or lodge that you can stay overnight or have a golf training camp (I did that many times).

USA

Often in the U.S., you’ll see houses on the golf courses with people lounging by their pool. I admit, I love looking at houses and admiring the pretty properties when I’m golfing. I sound creepy…

Golf course communities also normally have tennis courts, pools, fitness centers, and lodging.

Overall golf culture

Japan

Golf in Japan is a whole-day thing. You get to the course early, stop after nine to eat lunch, and then go into the hot bath or shower after the round. Playing golf in the afternoon is not common, although some courses have “night golf” where they have lights on the course.

There’s no system where the group in front lets you play through. You’re just stuck on the course, but I think that’s why golfers in Japan tend to play fast and they don’t complain when it’s slow.

Also, it’s very hard to go to a course just to practice. Many courses won’t allow it. The practice facilities are not that great anyway, and the driving range is normally small and off mats.

USA

I think golfers in the U.S. normally like to get in and get out. There are some people in this world who are just unbelievably impatient and will yell at you even if you’re not slow. Just ignore them and play your game.

Many golf courses have nice facilities where you can practice putting, short game, and stay on the driving range (off grass!) for a long time. You can also go to a course just to practice, as long as it’s not private and you check-in with the person in the pro shop first.

Conclusion

Honestly, I enjoy playing golf in both countries. They both have their own unique charm.

There are times where I get frustrated dealing with either culture, but they are still both my home that I love very much.

If you played golf in Japan and the U.S. before, what do you think? Which do you prefer?

I hope you found this helpful and hopefully now you know what to expect when playing golf either in Japan or in the States!