NIPPON PARKGOLF ASSOCIATION

　I am frequently asked about the very first story that how the park golf began.
　Park golf started in a park in Makubetsu. The enthusiasts of the game has increased rapidly. At the same time, each municipality in Hokkaido has competed in the development of park golf courses and have played a leading role in promotion of the plan for the purpose of advancing each city planning.
　Eventually, Park Golf has gone beyond just Hokkaido and has expanded its circle nationwide, and private companies have also entered into the park golf business or incorporated park golf as part of corporate activities. Today, both public and private sectors play a major role in promoting the spread of park golf.
　The origin of park golf is that people started to play a game similar to golf in the lush parks of the town. However, if the reason why people started playing golf in the park is asked, it is not an exaggeration to answer that is a longing for the charm of the sport called golf. The courses were modeled after golf courses which you can step on a soft lawn, breath clean air deeply, enjoy trees and flowers, and feel the sun, and that are laid out in small parks. Nippon Park Golf Association inherited the basic principles of park golf from Makubetsu town, which are "A sport that cares for nature, A sport that promotes interaction across generations, and a sport that is both fun and safe." To not make people feel handicap by age or sex, course layout is safe, the distance of the hall is limited and equipment such as clubs, balls and tees are designed to ensure safety. We have clearly stated standards and rules, aiming to enhance the domestic association organization, and also have strived to dissemination and promotion of park golf widely overseas.
　In recent years, an aging society is rapidly progressing in Japan, therefore interests for health-conscious middle-aged and older generation people and fulfilling retirement life such as living with hobbies have been increasing, and park golf is evaluated as playing one role in that sense. Family problems such as declining birthrate and nuclear families are also major challenges, but park golf has been used as communication within families and as extracurricular lessons of school
　Hokkaido Governor's Cup International Open which is held annually, disabled people (wheelchairs) are also participating in the competition with volunteers' help, and we are deepening exchanges with participating players from each country. There is no problem at all for play even without understanding languages and now I am reconfirmed the universality of sports called park golf.
　Park golf has matured with its history, but it must be a beginner warm welcome to any age. I sincerely hope that park golf keeps expanding the base of the enthusiasts and it will be brought up by park golf enthusiasts as a sport loved beyond generations. This time, I took over Mr. Atsushi Maehara and assumed office as Chairman. I would like to take over park golf which the former chairman raised carefully and to strive for further spread and development of park golf.