History

1913

In Tokyo Komazawa

Tokyo Golf Club originated from a proposal by Junnosuke Inoue (later to become vice president of the club) in 1913 to found a golf club of and by Japanese nationals (heretofore all golf clubs in Japan were founded by expatriate foreign residents). Inoue learned to play golf in New York in the late Meiji era. And his proposal for a new golf club, made after his return from New York, received full support from Aisuke Kabayama (later to become vice president) and Shinjuro Arakawa, and with the participation of additional investors, Tokyo Golf Club opened in Komazawa, Tokyo in 1914. Many golf lovers, Japanese as well as foreign residents, gathered at the Komazawa course, and the golf club was to play a key role in the development of golf in Japan.

1932

moved to Asaka in Saitama Prefecture

Since the Komazawa course was built on leased land, which was the source of many inconveniences, the club moved to Asaka in Saitama Prefecture in 1932. This move afforded the club with an opportunity and motivation to create what was to become a first class golf course in East Asia. The club invited course designer Mr. Charles Alison from Scotland and built a golf course of truly international championship caliber. The club made an epoch-making move to cover the entire golf course with bent grass, and an American architect Mr. Anthony Raymond was commissioned to design the Western style clubhouse.

Soon after, however, Japan went on war alert and the entire Asaka site was requisitioned and purchased by the Imperial Japanese Army. However, the legacy of the Asaka course lives on in Japan with the deep and large bunkers known as "Alison bunkers" named after the course architect.

1940

From Asaka to Sayama

In 1940 Tokyo Golf Club merged with Chichibu Country Club, located in Sayama City, where our golf course resides today. Mr. Komei Otani, club's vice-president and one of the best known Japanese golf course architects, created the greatest work of his lifetime in designing the 18 holes of our current Sayama course. H.I.H. Prince Yasuhiko Asaka became president of this renewed Tokyo Golf Club.

The club suffered additional setbacks as the course was taken over by the Imperial Japanese Army before the end of World War II. After the war in 1946, the golf course was requisitioned by the U.S. Army as their recreational facility, and the members' ability to play on their own golf course became tightly restricted.

1952

the course was returned to the club by the U.S. Army, and the normalcy of club life returned to its members.

1963

50th anniversary of foundation

In October, 1963, the club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding, inviting many distinguished guests from home and abroad. The occasion also celebrated the achievements of past and present members who played a major role in the club's rise to prominence and to the overall development of golf in Japan.

In the same year, the new clubhouse was designed by Mr. Anthony Raymond, the same architect who had designed the Asaka clubhouse. The simple rustic beauty of the new clubhouse has served the members well as their home for fellowship and relaxation.

1964

Hosted the 29th Japan Open Golf Championship

Established a sister-club relationship with Hirono Golf Club

1985

The Inaugural H.I.H. Princess Hitachi Cup

1988

Replaced the traditional Korai grass with Bent grass (Pencross green)

Commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Club’s founding

Hosted the 53rd Japan Open Golf Championship

1990

Published The 75th History of Tokyo Golf Club

2001

Hosted the 66th Japan Open Golf Championship

2004

Built new party room and women’s locker room facilities

Designed Raymond Architectural Design Office

2006

Opening of the historical archives room

Held the first historical exhibition: In Search of the Roots of Golf in Japan

2007

The Inaugural H.I.H. Prince Hitachi Cup

2009

Commissioned Mr. Gil Hanse to redesign the course; renovation work commenced

2013

Commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the Club’s founding

Hosted the 98th Japan Amateur Golf Championship for the first time in 32 years

Approved and registered as a general incorporated association

2015

Published The 100th-Year History of Tokyo Golf Club

2018

Course closed for five months for second renovation under Gil Hanse

Renovated the clubhouse

2019

Grand opening following second course and clubhouse renovation

2024

Hosted the 89th Japan Open Golf Championship, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Japan Golf Association
(8th time hosted by the Club after a 23-year interval)

Throughout its history,
Tokyo Golf Club has overcome numerous challenges,
including two relocations and requisition,
thanks to the unity of its members.
The Club has contributed to the establishment of golf regulations in Japan,
participated in the founding of both the Japan Golf Association (JGA) and the Professional Golfers’ Association of Japan (PGA),
developed the grass suited to Japan’s courses,
and hosted the Japan Open Golf Championship
a total of eight times.
As a pioneer in the history of Japanese golf,
Tokyo Golf Club has fulfilled its responsibilities.
We remain committed to preserving and carrying forward this proud tradition.