{"id":9945,"date":"2025-10-02T09:30:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T00:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/?p=9945"},"modified":"2025-10-02T10:08:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T01:08:13","slug":"customer-report-golf-tour-in-japan-and-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/en\/2025\/10\/02\/customer-report-golf-tour-in-japan-and-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Customer Report : Golf Tour in Japan and South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a report from our guest from Kansas City, U.S.A., Mr Charles Battey, who visited Japan with his son David this year through us. We are so glad that they have really enjoyed the golf and culture here in Japan! Thank you Charles and David for coming to Japan! We loved having you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>What About Playing Golf in Japan and South Korea? \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Why Not, So We Did It!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>August 30 \u2013 September 17<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 1 \u2013 August 30<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An almost perfect flight arrangement \u2013 K.C. to Denver to Tokyo with a 2 hour 30 minute layover in Denver \u2013 and <u>free<\/u>tickets!\u00a0 Not so fast \u2013 O\u2019Hare once again screwed up our plans as our connecting flight from O\u2019Hare was very late.\u00a0 So, ironically, we had to fly to O\u2019Hare and All Nippon Airways (ANA) to Tokyo to arrive 5 hours late.\u00a0 My only advice to give \u2013 <u>AVOID<\/u> <u>O\u2019HARE<\/u> if at all possible.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 2 \u2013 August 31<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive Tokyo\/Narita at 8:30 p.m.\u00a0 Only consolation was the quite new Boing 777 was 30% full, so we got entire rows to stretch out and sleep many hours on a 12 hour flight.\u00a0 Excellent service.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Met with our tour arranger, Masako Takei 1 \u00bd hours until 2 a.m. she is the \u201cKim Chee of Japan.\u201d\u00a0 Kim is David\u2019s Malaysian girlfriend.\u00a0 Masako is attractive , an achiever, good broken English, excellent education with a Finance Masters from Boston University, C.P.A., former KPMG professional, and successful entrepreneur having started Espirit Golf Inc. several years ago.\u00a0 It designs inbound and outbound golf trips with a specialty being a yearly expensive trip to the Masters at Augusta for 20-40 Japanese.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 3 \u2013 September 1<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our Japan golfing adventure started at the exclusive Tokyo Golf Club rated #4 in Japan and 96<sup>th<\/sup> in the world.\u00a0 Our excellent host, Mori Otaki, is a 62 year old retired Johnson and Johnson executive who last headed their large, Asian operation.\u00a0 He had spent eight years in Westchester County, New York, raising his twin daughters there.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a most attractive parkland layout with beautiful trees framing every fairway and green.\u00a0 They have two greens on each hole which are rotated.\u00a0 We played the reportedly rated toughest course, which was redesigned by Gil Hanse.\u00a0 Condition excellent with quite narrow fairways and lush, challenging rough and numerous deep traps.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David shot a pretty satisfactory 85, taking into consideration the difficulty of the course, his initial round and poor driving \u2013 6600 yards, par 72, slope unknown.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13453\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13454\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13455\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13456\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB has a sprained ankle which limits his distance, so will not keep scores sometimes.\u00a0 Did have 3 pars, including a 48 foot putt on a layout with no senior tees, 6150 yards, par 74, and little roll.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In typical Japanese style, we played a nine and then stopped for a good lunch.\u00a0 600 members, no women.\u00a0 Clubhouse is designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright prot\u00e9g\u00e9 and looks like vintage Wright.\u00a0 Dinner served only on special occasions.\u00a0 No swimming pool or tennis courts.\u00a0 Had a hot tub and then drove 1 \u00bd hours to our next destination.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13457\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6771\u4eac\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805_\u30af\u30e9\u30d6\u30cf\u30a6\u30b9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tokyogolfclub.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Tokyo Golf Club<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 4 \u2013 September 2<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy drive to Akiko Golf Club for a 9 a.m. start with Masako\u2019s associate, Toshio Komatsu, who also is a tour guide for Southeast Asians visiting Japan.\u00a0 Abiko course was redone in 2012.\u00a0 Numerous deep traps.\u00a0 No surrounding homes.\u00a0 Rough fair.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13468\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d501-3-300x186.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d501-3-300x186.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d501-3.png 611w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13466\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d505-1-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"278\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d505-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d505-1-272x182.png 272w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d505-1.png 567w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 278px) 100vw, 278px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13464\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d506-300x154.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d506-300x154.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u6211\u5b6b\u5b50\u30b4\u30eb\u30d506.png 313w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abikogc.com\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Abiko Golf Club<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David good round of 80 despite an 8 on the par 5 eighth.\u00a0 6463 yards, par 72, 125 slope.\u00a0 CWB kept score as he played quite well for a 90.\u00a0 4 \u00bd hour round \u2013 who said the Japanese play fast?!<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drove 3 hours through Tokyo, which is the most populous in the world and safest metropolitan area (38 million).\u00a0 Staying at the 5 star Hyatt Regency in Hakone.\u00a0 Huge, really hot, hot tub (108\u00b0) and outstanding French dinner.\u00a0 One of our nicest hotels.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13469\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30cf\u30a4\u30a2\u30c3\u30c8-\u30ea\u30fc\u30b8\u30a7\u30f3\u30b7\u30fc-\u7bb1\u6839-\u30ea\u30be\u30fc\u30c8\uff06\u30b9\u30d101.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"237\" height=\"158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30cf\u30a4\u30a2\u30c3\u30c8-\u30ea\u30fc\u30b8\u30a7\u30f3\u30b7\u30fc-\u7bb1\u6839-\u30ea\u30be\u30fc\u30c8\uff06\u30b9\u30d101.png 275w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30cf\u30a4\u30a2\u30c3\u30c8-\u30ea\u30fc\u30b8\u30a7\u30f3\u30b7\u30fc-\u7bb1\u6839-\u30ea\u30be\u30fc\u30c8\uff06\u30b9\u30d101-272x182.png 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 237px) 100vw, 237px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13470\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30cf\u30a4\u30a2\u30c3\u30c8-\u30ea\u30fc\u30b8\u30a7\u30f3\u30b7\u30fc-\u7bb1\u6839-\u30ea\u30be\u30fc\u30c8\uff06\u30b9\u30d102.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"283\" height=\"158\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13471\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30cf\u30a4\u30a2\u30c3\u30c8-\u30ea\u30fc\u30b8\u30a7\u30f3\u30b7\u30fc-\u7bb1\u6839-\u30ea\u30be\u30fc\u30c8\uff06\u30b9\u30d103.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"285\" height=\"160\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hyatt.com\/en-US\/hotel\/japan\/hyatt-regency-hakone-resort-and-spa\/hakhr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 5 \u2013 September 3<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pleasant day with several surprises.\u00a0 After a classic breakfast at the lovely Hyatt, we had a short drive to Hakone Country Club which lies in a crater in the middle of Fuji National Park.\u00a0 Founded in 1954, mountainous and lush forests (<u>no<\/u> houses) surround the beautifully manicured course with huge, fast greens.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13472\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"216\" height=\"172\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13473\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"215\" height=\"170\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13474\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-300x239.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"212\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803-300x239.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e803.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13475\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-300x155.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u7bb1\u6839\u30ab\u30f3\u30c8\u30ea\u30fc\u4ff1\u697d\u90e804.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hakonecc.com\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Hakone Country Club<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Masako\u2019s associate, Yoichi Shioki, was our playing partner.\u00a0 He just retired after 40 years with Bridgestone Tire with stints of eight years in Akron, Ohio, five years in Mexico, and seven years in Europe.\u00a0 4 hour 30 minute round with traditional lady caddie plus the normal 45 minute luncheon break after the first nine.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David, another solid round of 42-39 with 34 putts on 6600 yards, par 72, slope 131.\u00a0 CWB the mid 90\u2019s with ups and downs.\u00a0 Lovely day &#8212; 80\u00b0, light east wind, mainly sun.\u00a0 One of the most attractive courses we have ever played!<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two hour drive through the mountains to the historic Kawana Hotel and Golf Course opened in 1936 and their answer to Pebble Beach.\u00a0 Little has been done to upgrade the Hotel that reminds one of the Broadmoor and Greenbrier in the fifties.\u00a0 Few guests, almost shut down at 9 p.m.\u00a0 A good 5 course dinner in the Grill Room (David, Japanese; CWB, Western) with a delightful, always bowing waiter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone seemed surprised that we are driving ourselves and not getting lost.\u00a0 David and English-speaking GPS are a winning combination!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13476\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb01-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb01.jpg 890w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13477\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb02-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb02-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb02.jpg 890w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13478\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb03.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"299\" height=\"168\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13479\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb04-300x152.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"332\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb04-300x152.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb04.png 315w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.princehotels.com\/kawana\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Kawana Hotel<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 6 \u2013 September 4<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A leisurely morning at the Kawana Hotel, including a full breakfast and climbing the observation tower which overlooks this lovely property and surrounding area.\u00a0 It is a shame that someone or entity has not purchased the Hotel, as it could be so special!<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The afternoon brought a 3 hour 50 minute round on the Oshima Course, which has the most severe elevation changes that we have experienced.\u00a0 Holes with some magnificent ocean views.\u00a0 Course in surprisingly good shape considering the Hotel\u2019s condition.\u00a0 David, another solid round of 78 on 5711 yards, par 70.\u00a0 CWB played about 70% of the course.\u00a0 We would style the course as a regular\/executive\/hillbilly layout.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13481\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb06-300x136.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"371\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb06-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb06.png 333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13482\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb07.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"299\" height=\"168\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dinner in the main, dated dining room with very good food once again and a view of Mt. Fuji some 40 miles away.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 7 \u2013 September 5<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What a round at the Fuji course at the Kawana Hotel rated #2 in Japan and #67 in the world.\u00a0 Terribly humid as the layout is right next to the Pacific Ocean, yet no hole goes over it.\u00a0 Very hilly so CWB extremely glad to have a cart and driver while David walked with his lady caddie.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David was as bad today on a tough course as he had been solid the last three rounds.\u00a0 He shot 100, adjusted to 92, lost 5 balls and took five shots in a greenside trap \u2013 2 eights and an eleven!\u00a0 Amazingly, he kept his composure quite well.\u00a0 Played back tees at 6701 yards, par 72.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB enjoyed one of his best rounds, shot 89 with three pars and two doubles.\u00a0 The course has some favorable forward tees at 5490 yards, par 72.\u00a0 Because of the humidity we were exhausted at the end.\u00a0 Course in good shape and we came to understand the high rating, particularly in light of elevation changes and challenging traps.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13483\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb08.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"259\" height=\"194\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13484\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb09-300x136.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"424\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb09-300x136.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ddd\u5948\u30db\u30c6\u30eb09.png 333w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hotel was deserted but the marketing manager said it was doing well and September is a low season \u2013 very few international guests, maybe 5%.\u00a0 Sought our advice on how to market to international visitors.\u00a0 Next major project is not rehabbing the hotel but a sprinkler system for the Fuji Course.\u00a0 On to Osaka and Kobe (five hour drive, 250 miles, $102 tolls!) and the first class Hotel Okura Kobe.\u00a0 A delectable, expensive dinner in the traditional teppanyaki style.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13485\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30db\u30c6\u30eb\u30aa\u30fc\u30af\u30e9\u795e\u623801.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"291\" height=\"173\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13486\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u30db\u30c6\u30eb\u30aa\u30fc\u30af\u30e9\u795e\u623802.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"173\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 8 \u2013 September 6<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another new, interesting experience at Naruo Golf Club, suburb of Osaka, founded in 1920 and rated #3 in Japan and #90 in the world.\u00a0 Extremely humid, particularly on the front nine (2 hour 30 minute).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most difficult course we have played \u2013 David, 6720 yards, par 70, <u>slope<\/u> <u>147<\/u>, tough rough, numerous large traps with high lips for 89.\u00a0 CWB only played 12 holes and the heat really got to him on the back nine.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The golf cart moved on a track at the speed of a walk.\u00a0 It reminded CWB of the miniature train at the Lincoln Nebraska Zoo!\u00a0 And the lady caddie was by far the worst we have had, although she did try hard.\u00a0 So, you put all the circumstances together \u2013 difficult course, almost unbearable humidity, slow golf cart, weak caddie, slow play and you can see why CWB lost his cool somewhat on the seventh hole and David on about the fourteenth.\u00a0 We did regain our composure and finished a 4 hour 40 minute round.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dinner at the Japanese Restaurant in the Hotel Okura.\u00a0 Please note how adventuresome CWB is becoming.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13488\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801.jpg 1092w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13489\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-300x198.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-1024x675.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u9cf4\u5c3e\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802.jpg 1092w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naruogc.or.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : NARUO GOLF CLUB<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 9 \u2013 September 7<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two old sayings certainly apply to today\u2019s round of golf \u2013 save the best for last and wait for a new day.\u00a0 The former applies to Hirono Golf Club and the latter to David\u2019s game.\u00a0 We have played several outstanding golf courses here in Japan, yet there\u2019s no doubt in our mind that Hirono is tops and richly deserves its #1 rating in Japan and #44 in the world.\u00a0 After two horrible rounds, David put it altogether at Hirono for a 40 (including a triple bogey) &#8212; 36 on 6454 yards, par 72, slope 135.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First of all, the clubhouse is the most attractive, although they all are dated and pale in comparison with most U.S. facilities.\u00a0 It appears that little has been done since the opening in 1936.\u00a0 The course is in the best shape and is fair as to the thickness of the rough and challenges of the bunkers.\u00a0 Fast greens.\u00a0 It also is quite walkable as they do <u>not<\/u> allow carts on the course!\u00a0 Even CWB walked until the 16<sup>th<\/sup> and 17<sup>th<\/sup> on his bum leg.\u00a0 Overcast and bearable with the sun out and humidity high on the back nine (reason why CWB skipped a couple of holes).\u00a0 No wind to speak about.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13495\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-1-300x143.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-1-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e801-1.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13497\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-300x152.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-1024x519.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-768x390.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-1536x779.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-2048x1039.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e802-2-scaled.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>\u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13498\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-300x152.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-1024x519.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-768x390.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-1536x779.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-2048x1039.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/\u5ee3\u91ce\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5\u4ff1\u697d\u90e805-scaled.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hironogolfclub.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : Hirono Golf Clob<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Played with member Yiochi Shioki, whose father is a Golf Magazine panelist.\u00a0 A good caddie is no wait 4 hour 10 minute round.\u00a0 Except for the triple at no. 6, David just played a solid game \u2013 two bad drives and one three putt.\u00a0 He obviously is elated with this near career round.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB started poorly and parred #9 for a 50.\u00a0 He played bogey golf on the back side before the heat got him.\u00a0 Senior or lady tees still tough as they were 5826 yards, par 72, slope 127.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On to Nikko Hotel at Osaka Kansai Airport for our flight tomorrow morning to Jeju Island, South Korea.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Rankings of Japanese Courses<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hirono1.\u00a0 Fuji<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuji2.\u00a0 Hakone<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakone3.\u00a0 Hirono<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abiko4.\u00a0 Naruo<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naruo5.\u00a0 Abiko<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo6.\u00a0 Tokyo<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oshima7.\u00a0 Oshima<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Observations About Japan<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>No tipping<\/li>\n<li>Few speak English and the few who do, not well<\/li>\n<li><u>Very<\/u> homogeneous<\/li>\n<li>Follow the rules (please note John)<\/li>\n<li>Humidity, humidity<\/li>\n<li>Very polite<\/li>\n<li>CWB lost <u>one<\/u> ball and that on the last day on #16 where he hit his drive down the middle, decided not to play the hole and caddie did not retrieve the ball!<\/li>\n<li>No obesity<\/li>\n<li>Infrastructure!!<\/li>\n<li>Country runs efficiently<\/li>\n<li>Very high quality fresh food<\/li>\n<li>Two American chains \u2013 7 Eleven and McDonald\u2019s<\/li>\n<li>Saw <u>no<\/u> other American tourists<\/li>\n<li>Drove 719 miles \u2013 CWB \u2013 zero<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Best Shots<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB:\u00a0 48 foot putt at Tokyo Golf Club<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David:\u00a0 drive on hole #1 at Fuji in front of cameraman<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 10 \u2013 September 8<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 90 minute flight on Korean Air to Jeju Island and a short drive to The Club at Nine Bridges.\u00a0 Samsung Corporation built this world class resort in 2001 for $100 million, $40 million for the golf course rated #1 in Korea and #45 worldwide.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13501\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE01-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE01.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13502\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE02-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE02-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE02.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13503\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE03-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE03-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/NINE03.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninebridges.co.kr\/eng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : NINE BRIDGES<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We enjoyed a very relaxing day.\u00a0 David spent much time researching and planning more of our trip.\u00a0 A typical Korean dinner at the lovely Club House.\u00a0 Our cottage is large and probably very expensive.\u00a0 You must stay at The Club in order to play the course.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 11 \u2013 September 9<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A very satisfying day began with the weather (70\u00b0, light north wind, sun) at The Club of Nine Bridges, which dates back to 2001.\u00a0 A morning start with a cart on a trail and a good caddie, so there was considerable walking.\u00a0 The course is carved out of a forest on a lava bed and you never see another hole as you play.\u00a0 Great conditioning, reasonably fast greens with some undulation.\u00a0 A 4 hour 35 minute round played with Moon Sury Bon (Paul), a retired South Korean Air Force mechanic who is now a tourist guide.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David and CWB both had 86.\u00a0 David leaked some oil in the middle of the round but pulled it together on 6791 yards, par 72, slope 126.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB very happy with five pars, a birdie and one lost ball on helpful forward tees of 5200 yards, par 72, slope 119.\u00a0 The best course we have played thus far on our trip.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drove all of 5 miles to the Podo Hotel where our rooms are very large with lots of natural light, on the mold of Frank Lloyd Wright and beautiful vistas.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13504\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO01-300x169.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO01-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO01-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO01-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO01.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13505\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO02-300x140.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"168\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO02-300x140.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO02-1024x478.png 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO02-768x359.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO02.png 1139w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13506\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO03-300x178.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO03-300x178.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO03-768x455.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO03.png 904w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13507\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO04-300x177.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO04-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO04-768x454.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PODO04.png 852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/podo.thepinx.co.kr\/#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : PODO HOTEL<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 12 \u2013 September 10<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An 8 a.m. start at nearby Black Stone Country Club again with Paul Bon.\u00a0 This luxury resort also dates back to 2001 and is also created out of a lava field and forest.\u00a0 Very attractive and similar to Nine Bridges.\u00a0 Course not as mountainous, yet plays tough.\u00a0 Same type of cart arrangement but lady caddie better.\u00a0 In ten years of caddying, we were her ninth and tenth Americans!\u00a0 4 \u00bd hour round in splendid weather.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13509\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE01-300x190.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"271\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE01-300x190.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE01.png 518w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 271px) 100vw, 271px\" \/> \u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13511\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE03-300x173.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE03-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE03-768x442.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE03.png 928w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13510\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE02-300x165.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"271\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE02-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE02-1024x563.png 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE02-768x423.png 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/BLACKSTONE02.png 1034w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 271px) 100vw, 271px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blackstoneresort.com\/jj\/#none\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : BLACKSTONE<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a triple bogey start and a double on four, David settled down nicely for 44-40 on 6557 yards, par 72, slope unknown but we think higher than Nine Bridges.\u00a0 CWB steady round on longer layout (5390 yards) with little roll.\u00a0 He ended with a sensational three wood to two feet on the #2 handicap 18<sup>th<\/sup> hole for a 91.\u00a0 We very much liked the course and its challenges.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After lunch at Black Stone, we toured the southern part of Jeju Island that is the size of Maui and an hour\u2019s flight from Seoul.\u00a0 Jeju has a population of 600,000 with 50 million total in South Korea.\u00a0 It is attractive yet a little junkie along the coast. \u00a0Tourist trade has gone through the roof in recent years.\u00a0 Many Chinese who do not need a visa for Jeju Island.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor barbecue dinner at the Podo Hotel.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t CWB\u2019s style of barbecue.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 13 \u2013 September 11<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David brought his A game and CWB his D game to Pinx Golf Club, our last stop on Jeju Island.\u00a0 Hazy, somewhat humid 72\u00b0, no wind on a 1999 layout that at one time was rated in the top 100 in the world.\u00a0 Wet, very soft fairways, so played long.\u00a0 Conditioning poor, except greens quite good.\u00a0 It is interesting to note how they in Korea largely do not repair ball marks on the greens or rake the bunkers.\u00a0 Pinx is the weakest of the three courses played in Jeju, although not a bad layout with some excellent holes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A relaxed 4 hour 25 minute round.\u00a0 David played very well, except for putting.\u00a0 He hit 13 greens in regulation and 8 of 14 fairways.\u00a0 36 putts and two doubles yet scored 78!\u00a0 On 6620 yards, par 72.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB a generous 94 on 5556 yards.\u00a0 The course plays tough for him as there are severe elevations and little roll.\u00a0 Good caddie.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We liked our short stay in Jeju.\u00a0 The accommodations were very satisfactory.\u00a0 All three courses top rated but we must rate them in the order of Bridges, Black Stone, and Pinx.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On to the mainland with our Asiana flight to Sacheon.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13519\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX03-300x185.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX03-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX03-700x430.png 700w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX03.png 755w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13518\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX02-300x185.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX02-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX02-700x430.png 700w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX02.png 754w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13517\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX01-300x176.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX01-300x176.png 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/PINX01.png 756w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepinx.co.kr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : PINX GOLF CLUB<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 14 \u2013 September 12<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another remarkable day began with rain in the Sacheon area and then a beautiful sunny afternoon as we arrived at the Pine Beach Hotel &amp; Golf Resort.\u00a0 What a driver CWB has in David and his GPS!\u00a0 2 \u00bd hours in rain much of the trip with only one mishap (missed turnoff).\u00a0 Very mountainous with many tunnels, some quite long.\u00a0 The Koreans like their speed cameras and speed bumps.\u00a0 Excellent toll roads which are about 20% the cost of Japan\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pine Beach is located on a magnificent property very comparable or even better than our Pebble Beach.\u00a0 A deluxe resort with 27 holes, great vistas and views of the ocean, including some rock islands jutting out of the water (better than Turnbury).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sixth hole on the Beach Course is perhaps the most spectacular we have played.\u00a0 Adjacent to the ocean, you hit over an inlet with trees on your left and large traps on the right of a gigantic green.\u00a0 David 208 yards, CWB 178 yards.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David, an adventuresome round starting 3 (41 foot birdie putt) 8, 3 and ending with a triple bogey.\u00a0 He hit 10 greens in regulation, had no three putts on perhaps the biggest greens we have played with pins placed in the back corner most holes, lost seven balls (three provisional) two putt greens from 93, 63, 72, 78 feet and shot 86 on a 4 hour 35 minute round, not including stops.\u00a0 6846 yards, par 72, poorest caddie we have had.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB brought his A game and very pleased with 90, including pars on all 4 par 3 holes.\u00a0 It must always be remembered that CWB accepts a few sizeable gimme putts, has an occasional mulligan and always from the forward tees while David putts everything out.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Pine Beach course is in the poorest condition by far that we have played.\u00a0 Starting with poorly manicured tees, fairways not mowed well, numerous divots in fairways, traps that are seldom raked and huge greens with many divots.\u00a0 It is a shame as this truly is a special layout, which we greatly enjoyed despite the lack of conditioning.\u00a0 Granted, there is much play, the course was full on a Monday when we played in a pretty isolated location and off season.\u00a0 The Koreans obviously love their golf and it is somewhat surprising they do not take better care of their courses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 15 \u2013 September 13<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A day of transition as we had gone west to play Pine Beach and now had to go back east to play South Cape Owners Club on Wednesday.\u00a0 South Cape was not available on Monday or Tuesday and it is reputed to be the best new course in Asia and perhaps the world.\u00a0 We obviously could not pass up such a great opportunity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrived in the afternoon at this property on a craggy peninsula on a small island south of Sacheon.\u00a0 Its location and architecture are like you have never seen before nor probably later!\u00a0 Massive concrete (yes, concrete) structures with all the amenities of a deluxe hotel and spa.\u00a0 The views across the bay to the ocean and mountains are truly breathtaking.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Built in 2013 by fashion trade (rag) entrepreneur and golfing tragic Joe Bong Chung.\u00a0 You have to see it to believe it.\u00a0Delicious steak dinner in the magnificent, almost private dining room.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Day 16 \u2013 September 14<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mr. Chung invited us to breakfast with Mrs. Chung.\u00a0 He sold his business at the age of 72 and built South Cape.\u00a0 Our guess is he has about the same amount of money invested ($100 million) as Nine Bridges.\u00a0 He is the sole owner and wants it to be the most expensive resort in South Korea.\u00a0 Very solicitous of our opinions before and after our round of golf.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The golf routing incorporates a staggering number of natural coves and bays.\u00a0 It certainly is one of the most striking coastlines in golf with dramatic elevation changes.\u00a0 For example, the first hole must drop a thousand feet.\u00a0 One could go on and on but you will be spared.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conditions leave something to be desired and need 2-3 years to mature and rain (drought now).\u00a0 Will be in the top 100 in time and probably #1 in South Korea.\u00a0 Eleven raters from Golf Magazine were arriving the next day for their initial visit.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We played a leisurely round (5 \u00bd hours) with David good at the start and finish for 87 on 6492 yards, par 72, slope 132.\u00a0 CWB a solid first nine and up and down back side for 90 on 5524 yards, par 72, slope 126.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two multimillion dollar spectacular tea houses on #7 and #15.\u00a0 Mr. Chung sent out hamburgers and french fries for us at the 15<sup>th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13520\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB01-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB01.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13521\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB04-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB04-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB04-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB04-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB04.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13522\" src=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB05-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB05-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB05-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB05-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/SOUTH-CAPE-OWNERS-CLUB05.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southcape.co.kr\/golf.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MORE TO DETAIL : SOUTH CAPE OWNERS CLUB<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All courses in South Korea and Japan should be played yet we liked the South Korean courses better.\u00a0 Except for Fuji, they all have better coastal views and vistas.\u00a0 Our South Korean rankings were in order:\u00a0 Nine Bridges, South Cape, Pine Beach, Black Stone, Pinx (one exception, David rates South Cape #1).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chung was inspired by Julian Robertson and his two courses in New Zealand (Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before going back to Sacheon to spend the night, we told Mr. Chung of our impressions and took our time in cleaning up at the palatial spa \u2013 why not in such an outstanding spot?<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Observations about South Korea by perhaps an uninformed or ignorant American.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lack of ability to understand or speak a little English, although most take several years in school<\/li>\n<li>It seems few Americans have traveled here or also in most of Japan.(Not many international types prevalent either.)<\/li>\n<li>Main claim to fame \u2013 great roads (tolls expensive in Japan, not in Korea)<\/li>\n<li>Very polite as we would anticipate<\/li>\n<li>Follow the rules, follow the rules<\/li>\n<li>Very mountainous<\/li>\n<li>Homogenous<\/li>\n<li>Generous portions of food, not as good as Japan<\/li>\n<li>A round is an all-day event \u2013 no particular hurry, stops for lunch and tea houses on courses \u2013 5 or 6 hours normal<\/li>\n<li>Do not fix divots on greens or replace divots on fairways<\/li>\n<li>Do not rake bunkers, although there are 2 rakes on each bunker<\/li>\n<li>Use of cart paths only slows the game.The Japanese way of lady caddie pushing cart with clubs is far preferable<\/li>\n<li>Wide variance in ability of caddies to help (like reading the greens or distances)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>More Highlights<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CWB limped through with sprained ankle \u2013 \u201cWhen the going gets tough, the tough get going\u201d \u2013 quite an endurance challenge for an 84 year old?<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weather:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hot, very humid in Japan<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Quite delightful in South Korea \u2013 some haze, particularly in Seoul<\/li>\n<li>No rain during 12 rounds of golf with two drops on the tenth tee at Black Stone<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ease of getting around with driver David and the GPS.\u00a0 Only serious traffic was going into Seoul \u2013 stopped on toll road by police as we were going in the bus lane \u2013 no ticket.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still amazed at lack of American or international types.\u00a0 Also, lack of people who speak English or speak it fairly well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such great courses and vistas spoil you as you come back to quite flat and well maintained courses in the U.S.\u00a0 What a magnificent golf itinerary planned out by David!!\u00a0 CWB once again \u201ca guest in life\u201d and enjoyed everything.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We were novelties\/oddities\/eccentric being Americans, an 84 year old and driving ourselves!<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We ended our Asian Sojourn with two very enjoyable days of sightseeing in Seoul.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here is a report from our guest from Kansas City, U.S.A., Mr Charles Battey, who visited Japan with his son David this year through us. We are so glad that they have really enjoyed the golf and culture here in Japan! Thank you Charles and David for coming to Japan! We loved having you. \u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9936,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/?p=9933","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-news","en-US"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Customer Report : Golf Tour in Japan and South Korea | \u30a8\u30b9\u30d7\u30ea\u30fb\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5 | Esprit Golf<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/espritgolf.net\/en\/2025\/10\/02\/customer-report-golf-tour-in-japan-and-south-korea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Customer Report : Golf Tour in Japan and South Korea | \u30a8\u30b9\u30d7\u30ea\u30fb\u30b4\u30eb\u30d5 | Esprit Golf\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here is a report from our guest from Kansas City, U.S.A., Mr Charles Battey, who visited Japan with his son David this year through us. We are so glad that they have really enjoyed the golf and culture here in Japan! Thank you Charles and David for coming to Japan! 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