During a business trip to Tokyo earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to have a few hours free. With Golf in Japan being a big part of culture, what better way to find out than immerse myself. There was an intention to play a game during my visit, but struggling to find suitable connected people for my desired courses, this did not eventuate. So instead I would visit a golf store and visit a driving range.
First up was a trip to Victoria Golf Shop, in Shinjuku. Seeing a video about this previously, it got my attention. With nine stories full of golf accessories, clubs and clothing, this had to be one of the largest golf shops I have ever come across. Admittedly each floor was not overly large, but no space has been left vacant.
Victoria Golf Store in Shinjuku
Yes there were brands that are Japanese made and not sold elsewhere in the World, like XXIO, Honma, Katana (isn’t this a sword?) and Majesty. Some of these were extremely expensive. I only wish the shop didn’t have a no photography policy, as some of the items were amazing to see. But probably the biggest surprise for me was the range of items available in brands which are well know in the western World, but make exclusive models for the Japanese market. Seeing some Ping, TaylorMade and Callaway models which I had never heard of was an eye opener. This even applied to the clothing aspect, where a much larger range of designs and colours were found, compared to those I find in Australia.
Admittedly I had expected some weird and whacky items, but was sadly let down. The most unusual thing was in the tee department. The put tee, looking like shuttlecock with legs, would be a pain to use. Not only hard to place on some teeing areas as it does not anchor, but more likely to be hit into oblivion along with the ball, never to be found again.
Unusual golf tees purchased on my visit to Victoria Golf Store
The magnetic tee however is a different story. This has the bottom section anchor into the ground, where a magnet then holds the upper section in place. With a short string attaching the two, the theory is after hitting the top section will fall to the ground, whilst the bottom remains anchored to the same spot. Only theory as the whole item does occasionally come loose. Difficult thing is then finding the tee due to its darker colours. A flouro pin would be highly appropriate. I have seen different versions of these over the years, one with a normal tee attached to a separate pin. There is even an Australian version. One elderly gentleman showed me his invention, tying a cork to the tee to ensure it did not venture too far.
So after buying some tees and a new Ted (from the movie) headcover (I am known as bear to some people), it was time to try and find a driving range. I had read about one in Akihabara on the top floor of a department store. In the end I ran out of time trying to find the place, so my ambition to hit a golf ball in Japan will just have to wait.
Maybe next trip when I might just have set myself a new quest.
