GOLF ATRAVEL Player’s Guide Heavenly Hokkaido
Golf in Japan, but not as you know it! Charles McLaughlin sampled the delights of summer in Hokkaido, a region renowned for world-class skiing, but now one that has become a great golf destination in its own right.
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Paul Myers
he seasoned golf traveller will have experienced or at least heard much about playing in the Land of the Rising Sun: spending hours to reach the course, six-hour rounds (with a forced stop for lunch), obligatory caddies and eye-watering prices. Why put up with this at all? It’s simple really. Golf in Japan is of the highest quality: beautifully maintained courses, outstanding food, generally great weather, perhaps the world’s highest standards of service … but some may question if it’s really worth the effort and cost. Well, think again. The summer thaw in Hokkaido reveals a slew of standout courses that have been hibernating under a blanket of snow and, unlike those elsewhere in the country, await those keen to experience the game without the drawbacks of the usual slow play and high prices. This northerly island – the second largest in Japan – became a globally recognised winter sports destination with the awarding of the 1972 Winter Olympics to the capital Sapporo. This was the first time a winter Olympics had been held outside of the USA and Europe — although Japan had previously been awarded the 1940 games that were subsequently never held. Sapporo then became a growing destination for tourists, predominantly domestic until the numbers of overseas visitors grew exponentially following the establishment of the highly regarded tour operator SkiJapan and its followers.
Tokyu, otherwise known as Hanazono 56
HK Golfer・JAN 2013
HKGOLFER.COM
HKGOLFER.COM
HK Golfer・JAN 2013
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