Ground golf tees off at Island Park

Locals can swing into action, thanks to sponsorship by Japanese mayor and manufacturer

THOSE interested in playing ground golf, a form of golf invented in Tomari Village, Japan, in 1982, can now try their hand at the sport at Penang’s very own Japanese Garden located in Island Park.

The sport, which is inspired by the rules of traditional golf, requires one club and one ball per player.

It is played mostly on flat surfaces.

Also, in ground golf, the player aims to hit the ball into a small cage.

The clubs are putters, featuring a flat front and back design.

Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng thanked the mayor of Yurihama Town in Tottori Prefecture, Miyawaki Masamichi, for his role in bringing ground golf to Penang.

“I met him in January this year when he came to Han Chiang High School to promote the sport, and I thought it would be really interesting to introduce it at one of the parks in Seri Delima.

“He was excited by the idea and in February, he sponsored 30 golf clubs and other equipment.

“The reason why we brought this here is to ensure the ageing residents of Seri Delima participate in sports to stay healthy and happy.

“This is a good way to relax our mind, and when compared to traditional golf, this creates a rather casual and informal atmosphere.

“We hope to bring new initiatives for the residents here, and we will continue to practise inclusivity in our programmes, to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate and benefit from it,” Hooi Peng said at a press conference, according to Buletin Mutiara.

It was learned that RC Precision Engineering Sdn Bhd helped to fabricate the golf posts, which is part of the company’s business.

The company’s chief executive officer Alexander Frick was present at the launch.

Hooi Peng also thanked the Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (Jagam) for their support in finalising the preparation for the initiative.

Those interested in playing the sport can contact Tan Ghin Seng at 012-421 0199.

Tan is the Island Park Village Community Management Council (MPKK) treasurer.

Frick (front row, fifth from right) with Hooi peng and some of the officials and players at the launch of the new sport. — photos: Buletin Mutiara

Hooi peng trying her hand at ground golf at island park in penang.

in ground golf, the player aims to hit the ball into a small cage.