While in Japan we had the opportunity to play Naruo in the company of the Club Captain and also the Club Champion.
We were staying in central Osaka and had scheduled to play on Thursday and the Club Captain’s Chauffer was collecting us at the Hotel at 8am. We arrived in Osaka from Tokyo at about 11pm on the Tuesday evening after playing 36 at Kasumigaseki so we had a quiet day exploring Osaka.
Main on the menu was time in Golf Shops which are a real treat in Japan. I had been given info on the best stores in Osaka that specialised in second hand gear, which is very cheap and as my driver had snapped on the way over I needed a driver. It was fun exploring the shops, hitting the latest in Japanese clubs and trying to communicate with the staff.
Back to golf at Naruo, the drive from Osaka to Naruo was about 40 minutes and very comfortable. On arrival we were met by The Club Captain and signed in, introduced to our other playing partner and taken to our lockers.
We then spent time warming up on the range and having a putt before we played. The captain apologised for the condition of the greens as they were recently cored and with a wet cold spring they had not recovered as they would have liked. We also discussed the Japan Senior Open being played at Naruo later this year, the members do not want it, however they are doing their duty to golf in Japan and hosting the event.
We then made our way to the first tee.
1st hole from tee
1st hole
1st hole from fairway
1st hole greenside
2nd Hole
3rd hole tee shot
3rd Hole from Fairway
3rd hole approach
4th hole from tee
4th hole from bunkers
5th hole from middle of fairway
5th hole from base of hill approach
5th green
6th tee shot
6th hole approach
7th approach
Walk from 7th green to 8th tee
8th tee shot – note the new addition to the tee. The Japan Golf Association requested a new shorter tee for the Senior Open.
8th hole looking back at tee
8th green
9th tee shot
9th green from behind looking back up fairway
10th hole
10th hole from fairway
10th hole from fairway
11th hole from fairway
11th hole approach
11th hole greenside
12th hole
12th hole from short left of green
12th hole left hand bunkers
12th hole from behind green
13th tee shot
13th approach
14th hole approach
14th green
15th hole from tee
15th hole from behind green
16th hole from fairway
16th hole green
16th hole from behind green
17th tee shot – note the clear shot of the buggy on track on right
17th hole from fairway
18th green from fairway
The day in itself was outstanding and a most enjoyable round of golf.
After 9 holes we had the traditional Japanese lunch stop for about 40 minutes. The menu was a full selection of traditional dishes served with beer. A lovely serve of Japanese curry rice went down very well and made the 10th tee shot quite challenging.
As mentioned we played with the Club Captain. The Club has a very strong commitment to the traditions of the golf club and that any work undertaken is more restoration than renovation. The club has a very good idea of who they want to use for any future works.
Following golf we had the obligatory Japanese bath, it was a bit different to Kawana and Kasumigaseki in that there were female attendants in the bath room, now that was interesting i must admit.
Following golf it was beer and crackers in the bar and a healthy discussion on our round before we checked out at reception and settled our bill. For those have not experienced golf in Japan, you are allocated a locker and guest number at arrival where check in is somewhat like at a hotel. All charges while at the clubs are placed on this account and you settle everything when you leave.
The Club also has a tradition that all members wear a name tag whenever they are at the Club, Captain included. This is a small leather item, similar to a bookmark, with their name on it. It is worn hanging from your belt on your back right hip. The reason is so members who have forgotten your name can discretely approach you from behind and check your name before they address you!
We then were driven back to Osaka by the chauffer and had dinner at Sushi Express. Dinner and beers was $55 for 2 of us and we could eat no more. Following dinner I did the expected family shopping at the best toy store i have ever been in – excess luggage then followed.
Please enjoy
Hirono to follow in a week or so