Having bounced back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sapporo Country Club and The North Country Golf Club are now looking to make the most from their tie-up with Asian Tour Destinations (ATD).
As well as targeting growth in the number of overseas visitors, the two Japanese venues are gearing up to host significant professional tournaments in the coming months.
From June 29 to July 2, The North Country Golf Club will stage the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Saga Sammy Cup on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation.
Meanwhile, the Makomani Country Club, part of the Sapporo Country Club, will welcome the Japan LPGA Tour for the MinebeaMitsumi Ladies Hokkaido Shimbun Cup from July 6-9.
Both clubs believe their association with the ATD will help in increasing their profile around the region and, in turn, attract more international visitors.
“We are pleased to be part of the Asian Tour Destinations network,” said a spokesperson for The North Country Golf Club, whose course was designed by Japan golfing legend Isao Aoki more than three decades ago.
“As well as having more than 700 members we’d like to see more golfers from overseas coming to play our course,” added the spokesperson.
Another element to the appeal of The North Country Golf Club is that during the course closure in the winter months from the end of December to the beginning of March, skiing activities are available.
“Each year we have more than 20,000 visitors during that period with between 60% and 70% from Asia.”
Also in Hokkaido Prefecture is Sapporo Country Club, which boasts a total of 81 holes split between three different locations.
On the outskirts of Sapporo, about 19 kilometres from the city centre, the 36-hole Makomanai Country Club is adjacent to Shikotsu-Toya National Park, while the 27-hole Takino Country Club is a little further away.
Just 10 kilometres from downtown Sapporo, the 18-hole Hitsujigaoka Country Club is the most easily accessible of the three locations.
According to Mr Yamazaki, Sapporo Country Club’s General Manager, joining ATD has been beneficial on a number of fronts.
“Since joining ATD, the degree of interest in our club has gone up among travel agencies, which has resulted in a positive effect on the number of reservations. It’s also made our staff proud and motivated,” he said.
“The Asian Tour Destinations network is made up of wonderful golf courses in various countries. We’re delighted to be a part of that and through our partnership with ATD we look forward to further promoting our club around the region,” he added.
*Credit Information to www.asiantour.com
