Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2010

Looking for an excuse to play golf? You can hit the course at two upcoming amateur events which are open to all-comers. First up is the Refugees International Charity Golf Tournament on September 25, at the excellent Jack Nicklaus-designed Harunanomori Golf Club in Gunma Prefecture. Refugees International is a well-known Tokyo-based organization that offers assistance to displaced people around the world. That’s followed next month by the St. Andrew Cup tournament at Gotemba Golf Club (pictured). It’s being organized by the St. Andrew Society of Tokyo, which also does its fair share of charity work and serves to enhance the relationship between Japan and Scotland, the home of golf. Both courses are very foreigner-friendly, and inquiries can be made in English (or Scottish, if necessary).

Refugees International Tournament. Sep 25. Harunanomori Golf Club, Gunma. Tel: 027-378-4333. • St. Andrew Cup. Oct 16. Gotemba Golf Club, Shizuoka. Tel: 090-9892-4319. www.st-andrews-society.com/golf