Okinawa is a golf paradise with a variety of unique courses ranging from short to long, allowing golfers to enjoy the sport in a warm climate throughout the year. The blue sea and sky, along with the lush nature typical of a subtropical climate, make for exhilarating shots in Okinawa.
However, there are also some unique features of resort golfing in Okinawa that differ from golf courses in mainland Japan. To help you enjoy golfing in Okinawa even more, here are three distinctive characteristics of Okinawa’s golf courses.
Three Characteristics of Okinawa’s Golf Courses
Characteristic 1: Korai Grass and Bermuda Grass
While many golf courses on the mainland use bent grass, which is soft and allows for easy spin, Okinawa’s golf courses primarily use harder grasses such as Korai grass and Bermuda grass. Bermuda grass, known for its heat tolerance, has thick blades and a strong grain, making the ball roll more easily and reducing the ability to spin.
On the other hand, iron shots from the fairway are relatively easier, and pitch marks or ball marks are less likely to form. However, if the ball lands in the rough, it can become deeply embedded, increasing the difficulty.
On the green, the direction of the grass grain and the slope significantly affect the ball’s roll. For example, a downhill slope with the grain will be very fast, while an uphill slope against the grain will be very slow.
While getting used to the grain’s influence and the slopes is necessary for golfing in Okinawa, embracing these unique challenges can make your play more enjoyable.
Characteristic 2: Hillside Courses Utilizing Mountainous Terrain
Champion courses like Naha Golf Club and Ryukyu Golf Club have many flat holes, but many of Okinawa’s resort golf courses are hillside courses built on elevated areas facing the sea, making excellent use of the natural terrain.
These courses offer spectacular panoramic ocean views, but also require strategic approaches due to the wind blowing from the sea and the varying terrain. Lower elevation holes have relatively gentle slopes, while higher elevation holes emphasize ups and downs and lateral undulations, increasing the course’s difficulty.
Characteristic 3: Continuous 18-Hole Play Without Breaks
A notable feature of golfing in Okinawa is the style of playing all 18 holes in one continuous round using a cart. Unlike other regions where it is common to take a break for a meal after the first 9 holes, in Okinawa, it is common to play all 18 holes without a break. Since you cannot leave the course until you finish, pre-round strategy and caution are required. To support smooth play, carts are equipped with items like brown sugar and salt to prevent heat stroke, which is a unique aspect of Okinawa.
Continuous play is ideal for efficiently using your time. In Okinawa, in addition to golf, you can enjoy various activities such as gourmet dining, shopping, and marine sports after your round. Some avid golfers even play two rounds in a day, making for a fu
