Ground Golf Guidebook
Issued to commemorate the inception of the International Ground Golf Federation,
the goal of this guidebook is to promote a correct understanding of Ground Golf within
the framework of its expanding global popularity and facilitate Ground Golf's potential
as a forum for deepening international friendship and interaction among Ground Golf
enthusiasts in countries worldwide.
This guidebook is composed of the following topics. With a focus on making it asaccessible as possible, especial care was given to providing visual content. We would
be extremely honored if this guidebook enhances an understanding of Ground Golf
among Ground Golf enthusiasts in countries worldwide.
Country and region names appearing in Addendum 2 conform to wording in theJapanese government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, please be aware that
we have also used abbreviations in the text and photographs.
1. Purpose behind the inception of an international Ground Golf organization ………

1

2. The birth of Ground Golf …………………………………………………………………

2

3. The philosophy of Ground Golf …………………………………………………………

3…………………………

5

The birthplace of Ground Golf ……………………………………………

9

4. Characteristics of Ground Golf and features of the game
Addendum 1(Information supplied by ANA: "Japan Travel Planner")

Addendum 2Countries and regions that have participated in international tournaments……………………………………………………………

11

Addendum 3

Social contribution activities using the Hole in One Fund ……………

12

Addendum 4

A photographic journey through Ground Golf ……………………………

13

Reference

Office of the International Ground Golf Federation ……………………

18

Globally expanding the circle of friendship, health, and peace through Japanese-born Ground Golf!

International Ground Golf Federation

1. Purpose behind the inception of an international Ground Golf organization
In response to the global rise in popularity of Ground Golf, founding an organization thatcan oversee worldwide Ground Golf activities and ensuring that the Japanese-born Ground
Golf is spread throughout the world in the correct format is the purpose behind the inceptionof this international organization.
Additionally, promoting the international expansion of Ground Golf will enable themaintenance and improvement of the health and stamina of people in countries worldwide
amidst the advancement of the aging society phenomenon with increasingly long lifespans. It will also deepen mutual interaction and understanding through Ground Golf.
Through these effects, founding this international organization is also expected tocontribute to the actualization of a bright, plentiful, and peaceful international community.
To help the International Ground Golf Federation grow larger in order to actualize thesegoals, we humbly seek the support and cooperation of Ground Golf enthusiasts incountries across the globe.
Additionally, Ground Golf has become an official category at the World Masters Games
Kansai, which will be held in Japan in 2021. The founding of this international organization
is exquisitely perfect timing, since Ground Golf enthusiasts from countries around the world
will be gathering together in Japan. It will most certainly serve as a major facilitator in theeven further worldwide popularization of Ground Golf.

International players who played in JGGA 30 th Anniversary International Goodwill Tournament-1-2. The birth of Ground Golf
Ground golf was born in Japan in 1982.
In an effort to actualize a lifelong sports society in the future, the Ministry of Education at thattime actively promoted research and development in the wards and municipalities of Japan
pertaining to various sports that citizens could enjoy.
In this milieu, the idea proposed Tomari (currently Yurihama) in Tottori Prefecture with support
from a national support system and the cooperation of university instructors and sports experts
was none other than Ground Golf.
So that future generations will remember that Tomari is the birthplace of Ground Golf, Article
4 of the Rules states, "When a ball stops inside a hole post, that is called tomari."Also, the name "Ground Golf" was chosen as a way of reflecting the aim to be a sport thatanyone can play in any place at any time, just like being able to play at school playgrounds,
which are the closest area for community residents (Note: In Japanese, a school playground iscalled a "ground," thus "Ground Golf"). Thus, this sport does not require going to a special sports
facility. As long as there is a safe place to play, anyone can enjoy ground golf as part of their
daily lives.
Ground Golf also does not require a high level of technique or strength. What's more, it deftly
blends the opportunity to display your powers of focus and coordination, and your skill.
Additionally, the rules are very simple, making it easy for beginners to get started immediately.
Ground Golf is a game that anyone can enjoy playing together, from children to senior citizens,both males and females, and the disabled and non-disabled alike. It is a sport that all sorts ofpeople can enjoy in an inclusive-society.
In Japan, Ground Golf enthusiasts sprung up nationwide in the blink of an eye right after it
was born. The reason can only be that people widely embraced the very essence of Ground Golf:
having fun. Also, one important factor that must not be forgotten for its decades-long contribution
to this popularization of Ground Golf starting from the birth of the sport in the 1980s is the global
sports goods manufacturer ASICS, which has been comprehensively helpful in the research,development, and manufacturing of Ground Golf equipment.
Today, there are over three million Ground Golf enthusiasts in Japan. You will most likely see
for yourself the reasons why the number of Ground Golf enthusiasts has grown to this extent
once you read about the characteristics of Ground Golf in this guidebook. However, first, we ask
you to read about the Ground Golf "philosophy" that has been carefully preserved from the timeof its birth up to today and learn about the basic way of thought that imbues Ground Golf.

GG birthplace monument

International representatives aiming for a hole in one at an international
tournament opening shot ceremony (At Yurihama, the GG birthplace)

Note: The term "GG" in photograph captions in this guidebook is an abbreviation for "Ground Golf."-2-

3. The philosophy of Ground Golf
In the 1980s, when the concept of lifelong sports had yet to take hold in Japan, the new ideathat was researched and developed under the strong desire to create a model for a lifelong sport
was a game called Ground Golf.
The fundamental idea behind the Ground Golf enthusiast was a person who can combine thethree aspects of "the player," "the self-taught enthusiast," and "the self-referee," and who canenjoy sports throughout his or her entire life. The core reason that Ground Golf has been
embraced by so many people today is unquestionably the existence of this way of thought andthe dutiful continuation of the philosophy described below.
Currently, the idea and practice of lifelong sports is being actively promoted in countries
around the world. In light of this, it is our wish that worldwide Ground Golf enthusiasts have acorrect understanding of the philosophy of Ground Golf, engage in fair play and good manners,
play in a spirit of fun and pleasantness with people from many different countries, and expand acircle of friendship, health, and peace.
1. Ground Golf is "a sport that values people."
Ground Golf values the concept of adjusting the sport to the needs of the people playing
instead of expecting the players to meet the demands of the sport. Players are not bound by
the mountains of rules seen in other sports. Instead, this is a sport that anyone of any genderand age can enjoy anywhere and at any time under only 16 rules, without even requiring ahigh level of technique, and without any impediments regarding healt h or disability.
Moreover, with the increasing levels of healthy long life seen in countries worldwide, Ground
Golf is also important in that it is a lifelong sport that people can enjoy throughout their entire
lives.
Furthermore, please understand that through the listing of etiquette and manners at the
beginning of the rules, this is a sport that values human dignity and correct conduct.

Players enjoying GG against the scenery of Mt. Fuji

Spanish players enjoying GG at a park

2. Ground Golf is "a sport that values the process, which includes the outcome."
Instead of winning and losing as the outcome of playing, Ground Golf places priority on theprocess that leads to that outcome and values things like the interaction and relationships
between players. Improvement in communication ability leads to a wider expanse of friends
and also has a positive effect on the satisfying construction of human relations.
Also, Ground Golf has an undeterminable outcome factor in which no one knows who will-3-

win and who will lose. Subtracting three points when a player makes a hole in one is a rulethat was conceived to that end and one of the major characteristics of Ground Golf. It is
possible for even people with little sports experience to have a high ranking s core, allowing
them to experience the pleasure and fun of sports and increasing the desire to keep playing
sports.

Players praising each other on a good fight in front of the prize cups

(From the Spain GG Association website)
3. Ground golf is "a sport that values autonomous action."
Ground Golf values player autonomy. The fairness and impartiality to referee yourself is acore requirement. The lack of referees comes from the valuing of this way of thought. Ground
Golf exists under the precondition that no one will violate the rules.
If there is a player who only interprets the rules to his or her advantage or who has nocompunction breaking the rules, this indicates a lack of respect for social norms and ethics inthat person. In fact, this kind of person does not really have a heart that loves Ground Golf. If
a participant cannot regulate himself or herself, it is not an overstatement to say that, that
person is not qualified to play Ground Golf. In Ground Golf, each participant is simultaneously
a player and a referee.

Players enjoying GG under a Japanese cherry blossom tree-4-

4. Characteristics of Ground Golf and features of the game
Ground Golf is a sport that was made by adjusting the rules of golf. The player hits a ball witha club, and the number of hits made until the ball stops inside the hole post (tomari) is counted.
Recently people playing Ground Golf can be seen in regions all over the world. Ground Golf,
which has in this way come to be loved by many people worldwide, contains the following
characteristics and game features.

(1) Characteristics○ Anyone can win
No one feels excited about sports where winning and losing is set in stone before the gameeven begins. Ground Golf is a sport that was developed with innovations in factors like holedistances and equipment to prevent the outcome from being dictated by things like age,gender, physical strength, athletic ability, and the existence or absence of physical disabilities.
○ Beginners get even more opportunities to play
Most sports offer more opportunities to try your hand at competition the more you excel in skill
at that sport. But Ground Golf actually offers even more chances to play for inexperienced people.
This results in a lot more opportunities to experience devotion and creative innovation, and yourskill will improve through that process.
○ Participants are in charge of their own conduct
Ground Golf does not require a referee. Participants are in charge of their own conduct andreferee themselves. Ground Golf is a sport that values the essence of the sports spirit in which
players teach and learn from each other.

(2) Game features
Ground Golf contains all of the fun game features necessary to allow anyone to play
anywhere at any time.
○ You can play it anywhere
A standardized course is not needed. Depending on the goals, environment, and abilities ofthe participants, a course can be set up freely anywhere, including in places like parks, athletic
fields, riversides, and public squares.
-5-Participants enjoying GG in a natural setting(An Asian tournament held in Mongolia)○ Setup is easy
There is no need to dig the holes required by golf. To set up a gaming space, you simply needto set up the start mat and hole posts.

Equipment needed to play GG
ClubStart mat

Ball

Hole post○ The rules are simple
The rules are amazingly simple compared to other sports. Anyone can remember the rules
after playing just one time.

Japan Association promotion instructors listening to a rules lecture-6-

○ No time limits
There is no set time for game play, so participants can enjoy playing for any length of time
based on ability level, number of players, or features of the course without being restricted bya time limit.

Snow region players clear away snow and enjoy GG○ No restrictions on number of participants
As long as there is a place to play, the number of participants needed to enjoy Ground Golf
is as low as one, and can stretch up to several hundred people at a time. The balls do not fly
up in the air, so as long as the participants plan out hole locations, multiple participants canplay safely even if they start from different holes at the same time.

A large crowd of tournament participants enjoying GG○ The participants are the referees
Refereeing in a game is carried out by the participants themselves. When a call is difficult,
you can ask the approval of other participants.

Women's tournament participants checking scores-7-○ High skill levels are not required
Ground Golf ability level does increase through practice just like in other sports. However, ahigh skill level is not needed in order to enjoy playing the game. Anyone from young children
to senior citizens can have fun playing.
This means Ground Golf is also a sport that the entire family can enjoy together.

Children can play

Senior citizens can play

Wheel chair users can play

Families can play-8-

Addendum 1 The birthplace of Ground Golf
(Information supplied by ANA: "Japan Travel Planner")

Japan Travel Plannerhttps://www.ana.co.jp/ja/jp/japan-travel-planner/

The Hill of Sea Breeze, Tomari“Tastes of JAPAN by ANA” is a regional vitalization project that collaborates with the different
prefectures in Japan to present the Land of the Rising Sun in all of its diverse glory.
Ground Golf is a sport for everyone, feel free to join from children to adults and even for eld erly
people.

Ground Golf was born in Tomari-son (now: Yurihama-cho) in 1982.
Anyone can enjoy it anywhere. Its rules are simple and refreshing feeling that hits the ball
unexpectedly is attractive. It is also a sport that you can enjoy easily with family even with
an elderly. There are 3 dedicated courses (out course, in -course, cape course) thatoverlook the majestic Sea of Japan, and you can enjoy playing while being blown by thesea breeze on the ground and golf village “Hill and Mari of the sea breeze”.
-9-Besides the ground golf, there are a super slider that slides down 340 meters in length at once anda multipurpose square with a real model of the dinosaur. They are extremely popular among thechildren.

Location

Name

Hill of Sea Breeze, Tomari

URL

https://www.tottori-guide.jp/tourism/tour/view/142 (in Japanese)

Address1313 Yurihama-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori

Inquiries

0858-34-3217- 10 -

Addendum 2Countries and regions that have participated in international
tournaments○ Countries and regions that have participated in recently held international tournaments (Seenote 2)
United States of America , India, Kingdom of Sweden , Kingdom of Spain, Republic of Kore ,Taiwan, People’s Republic of China , Hungary, French Republic , Republic of Poland , Malaysia ,Mongolia , Russian Federation○ Other countries and regions to which the Ground Golf birthplace of Yurihama has reached
out for international popularization efforts
Kingdom of Thailand , New Zealand○ Other countries and regions with foreign students who have participated in international
tournaments in Yurihama
Republic of Indonesia , Arab Republic of Egypt , Canada, Republic of Kenya, Jamaica, Federal
Republic of Nigeria , Republic of the Philippines , Federative Republic of Brazil , Socialist Republicof Viet Nam, Republic of Botswana , Republic of the Union of Myanmar , United Mexican States,
Kingdom of Morocco(Notes)1. Country and region names conform to wording on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
2. The recently international tournaments are as listed below.
1) Japan Ground Golf Association 30th Anniversary International Goodwill Tournament (2013)
2) Yurihama hosted international tournaments (2014 – 2019)3) Asian tournament held in Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar) (2018)
4) International invite match held in China (Shanghai) (2018)

The official Japan GG Association Shiokaze no Oka Tomari GG Course in Yurihama, the GG birthplace

In the World Masters Games Kansai that will be held in May 2021, players from countries all over
the world will gather here to participate in the GG category.

- 11 -

Addendum 3 Social contribution activities using the Hole in One Fund
After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, a charity fund over forty million yen generated
through the Hole in One Fund was given to the affected area by prefectural GG associations forrestoration and reconstruction.

A massive tsunami flooding the town

A school isolated by a massive tsunami(From a 2012 police white paper)(From the Sendai Municipal website)

Various activities of Japan Association affiliated organizations

Donating Ground Golf equipment

Donating vehicles(From the Togo, Aichi Prefecture website)(From the Shimane Prefecture GG Association website)

Donating wheelchairs

Donating a large television(From the Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture website)(From the Ichikikushikino Municipal Social
Welfare Council website)*The Hole in One Fund is a fund organization in which Japan Association members who
successfully make a hole in one can choose to donate somewhere around one hundred yen touse in social welfare activities.
The above activity examples is only a partial list. Associations in each prefectu re deploy avariety of other innovative activities as well.

- 12 -

Addendum 4 A photographic journey through Ground Golf
Anyone can enjoy Ground Golf

Preschool children give it their all

A girl player swings powerfully(National Junior GG Tournament)

High school students play during PE(Hirano Senior High School Attached

Students who won at a special-needs school GG
tournament(From the Okayama Prefectural Tobi

to Osaka Kyoiku University)

Support School website)

Enjoying each other's company even during breaks- 13 -

Nice shot

Pre-tournament warmup: Exercising with a club

Playing with a walker

Rule explanation from a sign-language interpreter(National GG Goodwill Yamanashi Tournament)

A colorfully dressed women's team- 14 -

Spain imported GG from Japan and founded the Spain GG Association in 2010(http://www.groundgolf.es/)- 15 -

A national tournament in Japan

Tournaments with several hundred participants are possible in soccer field sized areas.

- 16 -

Participating countries（Tournaments held in Yurihama, Tottori）

Participating countries meeting

Republic of Korea

FranceMalaysia

People’s Republic of China

United States of America
Chinese Taipei

Jamaicaetc.

PolandMongolia- 17 -

Spain

Reference:

Office of the International Ground Golf Federation
IGGF Headquarters（ Japan Sport Olympic Square 7F Rm. 703 ）Address: 4-2 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0013 JAPANE-mail: info@groundgolf.or.jp
Tel+ 81‐3‐5843‐1097
5843‐1098
Fax+ 81‐3‐5843‐1095

Area Map

Access○○○Approx. 10min. from Exit 3 of Gaienmae Station, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Approx. 15min. from Exit A2 of Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, Toei Oedo Subway Line
Approx. 20min. from the JR Shinanomachi Station or Sendagaya Station( Photograph & map provided courtesy of the Japan Sport Association )- 18 -