Thanks Toronto Golf Nuts!

[bilinguru]

Just wanted to let everyone know that this website really made my weekend!

I met jjack on this forum and, noticing that I live in Japan like him, he invited me down to Fukuoka to play with him and a group of other westerners he is friends with. For those who don't know Japan, I live in Kobe which is in Central West Japan and Fukuoka is in Southwestern Japan (about 2 and half hours by bullet train).

I was met at the train by jjack's friend and driven out to the course that jjack manages about 45 minutes away. We were joined by another guy (a very friendly American guy who, like me, teaches English and loves golf.) jjack is a PGA teaching pro and a very nice guy. Playing with a pro was a great learning experience! After the round, we went to the American guy's place where we enjoyed chili dogs and pizza and various beverages (it's been a while since I've done that I can tell you!) We woke up at 8:00 a.m. to watch the super bowl and after the game, played another 18 holes with another 4 guys. After the round, I was given a ride back to the train station to make my way home. Now that's what I call hospitality!!

I think it's pretty unusual for a group of friends to welcome a complete stranger into their circle for a couple of days. But, they were all very kind and I just wanted to let everyone on this board know that TGN was the connection.

Thanks jjack and Thanks Toronto Golf Nuts!!

[cvcapital]

Sounds like a great time!

How is the steak in Kobe?:p

[Bellyhungry]

The golf courses are open in Japan in the winter?

[Queen of the Beach]

I love hearing stories like these. bilinguru I'm so happy to hear that you met other golfnuts like yourself! And all the way in Japan. That is a true good news story. :)

[Titleist75]

Mmmmmmm...Kobe steak. Sounds like a good time was had by all.:rofl:

[Focker Singh]

Great story! Glad the site reached out to you and your new friends all the way in Japan! Now wouldnt it be great if you all flew to Toronto and played in our annual tournament at Bond Head on May 12th and meet the members of TGN? :D Take care and happy posting.

[bilinguru]

Kobe beef is fantastic, but, we didn't have any on this trip. If any of those guys come out to Kobe, I'll see about getting some, although it's very expensive!!

Can we play golf in winter in Japan? We play year round here. The fairways are brown, but the greens are green and it's not so cold. In fact, today it's 16 Celsius and gorgeous. Too bad I have to work!!

I would love to come for the TGN tournament. I was actually pushing for it to be held in August, as work makes May impossible for me. But, it looks like the majority rules. But, when I do come back to Canada for a visit, I'll be sure to arrange a round or two with some Nuts before I go!

I also participate in the Fantasy league, although I'm not playing for balls. I'm doing pretty good in 6th place. Not bad for someone who never played before!!

Thanks guys.

[Ems]

Love to hear stories like this as well!

[goshawk]

It's refreshing to hear stories like this. I see that Japanese hospitality is still as strong as it was when I was there years ago.

[denchoe]

How much is golf in Japan...i'm just next door in Korea and the price of green fees and caddies are ridiculous. If it's more feasible i might make a trip.:)

[bilinguru]

Hi denchoe,

Golf in Japan has come down in price a bit in the past couple of years. It varies from 6000-20000 yen per round. It's cheaper if you play on the weekdays and in the off-season. The really nice private courses are still very expensive. I recently found a good place where you can play 27 holes for 9000 yen including lunch. I don't know what the exchange rate between Korea and Japan is, but if you factor in the flight costs, I doubt you would save any money by coming here to play. That being said, if you have never been to Japan before and would like to check it out, maybe I can help. How much is a round in Korea??