I tried out a new golf driving range the other day on the banks of the Tamagawa River (多摩川) near Futagotamagawa. I normally visit the Kasai Lotte Range but wanted to get the feel more of being on the course than hitting with mechanical machines from a covered range.

The first thing that surprised me as this range was the number of people out there on a weekday. The place was pretty packed and I had to go all the way to the end booth to have a hit. This range was certainly not what I was used to at Kasai.

Normally if I go to Kasai at night I see many couples who look like they have just walked out of a Ginza club and come for a hit. Down here at Marukobashi Golf Range there were a lot more older men by themselves, probably wishing they were heading down to a Ginza club later.

Busy day at the range

There were various tents set up for checking in depending on whether you were putting or chipping etc.

Everyone focussed in

The ground was quite bare and the mats weren’t the best quality, but the atmosphere was just right. You felt like you were hitting out onto a fairway of a Japanese course, and with the river on one side and the Shinkansen rolling over the bridge at 5 minute intervals the scene was quite picturesque.

Ground was very bare. Thought I was on a baseball mound

Most Japanese ranges have automatic ball dispensers. This range was much more basic with no such equipment. It had a lot of charm though.

I don't think this guy can reach the train with a 7 iron

These ladies are shooting at the Narita Express (NEX)

If you are a train fan here are some more shots, without the golf.

I bet that apartment is noisy from the train

You can see the passengers on this one

Next stop Osaka

Narita Express (NEX) heads to the airport

They had putting green facilities as well as a small space to chip and practice bunker shots. Chipping was off mats though so it is hard to say what benefit that practice might bring. Most Japanese ranges don’t have the space for putting practice and if they do it is normally on artificial grass. When you play golf in Japan you often see everyone practicing their putting madly before they play for the day. It is often the only chance they get to practice it.

Grass putting facilities

I think this might go in

In the chipping area this workman had the job of picking up the balls. I like his machine he made for the job

The highlight of the range is probably watching the trains go by directly on the path you are hitting. I would guess you need a very long hit to get close to the distance of the bridge and if you wanted to hit the train you would need a lot of elevation as well. Basically, its not possible, but the image of hitting to the train was a good one.

Don't think those nets are going to stop much, but the train is further than you think

If you are planning to visit, here is the website (Japanese only). It shows the approximate waiting time on the website also.
http://www.marukobashi.com/

The club house for Marukobashi Golf Range

For some good information about golf in Japan you can visit the following:
http://www.golf-in-japan.com/
http://www.golf-in-japan.com/ranges_tokyo-a.php
http://www.dannychoo.com/adp/eng/1669/Golf+in+Japan.html

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