I was once again given the opportunity to experience The Land of the Rising Sun this year, and returning to Japan is always a wonderful experience for me. Each visit brings something new to learn and appreciate, whether through the culture, the people, or the game itself. Meeting familiar friends again, both staff and members from Biwako Country Club and Nara International Golf Club, made the trip especially warm and meaningful. In many ways, returning to Japan now truly feels a little like returning home.
This year, I had the privilege of assisting Team Captain Justin Ong alongside 17 RSGC members during our Interclub visit to Biwako Country Club and Nara International Golf Club in April 2026, right in the middle of the sakura season. Throughout the trip, it was lovely to see the camaraderie, friendliness, and easy-going spirit shared among the RSGC members, which made the journey even more enjoyable for everyone. A memorable highlight for both visits was hearing Team Captain Justin Ong deliver his speeches in Japanese, which truly impressed and delighted our hosts at both clubs.
BIWAKO COUNTRY CLUB 4 – 5 APRIL 2026
The first stop of the trip was Biwako Country Club, where the reciprocal relationship between both clubs continues to remain one of RSGC’s longest-standing international exchanges. The reciprocal agreement between RSGC and BCC was signed on 10 May 1977, formalising a unique golfing arrangement between both clubs.
Under this tradition, Biwako Country Club donates the Biwako Memorial Cup to RSGC for RSGC men members to compete in the presence of BCC members, while RSGC donates the RSGC Trophy to BCC for BCC members to compete in the presence of RSGC members.
Among the RSGC members, Maverick Moh emerged as the leading performer with 70 nett, followed by Daren Chan on 73 nett and Lim Tiong Huai on 76 nett.
t Biwako Country Club, Hideto Hasashi secured victory with an impressive score of 67 nett. Akira Hiramatsu finished runner-up on 70 nett, while Hideto Shikata placed third with 71 nett. A memorable highlight of the event was witnessing the presentation of the unique RSGC Trophy, designed in the form of a ceremonial gong, adding a special touch to the occasion.
During the free day following the Biwako visit, I also took the opportunity to visit Arashiyama on my own, a place that had been on my bucket list for a very long time. Taking the train there and finally experiencing the atmosphere and scenery in person made the visit even more special for me.
NARA INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB 7 – 8 APRIL 2026
The journey continued to Nara International Golf Club, where RSGC members were once again warmly received by Captain Kobayashi Jiro and members of NIGC.
The reciprocal relationship between RSGC and NIGC was formalised on 24 November 2015, following the introduction made by RSGC member Joji Matsu in December 2013. Since then, both clubs have continued to strengthen ties through annual exchanges and friendly competition.
One of the unique features at Nara International Golf Club is its ‘Point Tony’ scoring system, a format similar to Stableford, adding a different competitive experience for the visiting RSGC members.
Once again, Maverick Moh emerged as the leading performer with 37 points. Lim Tiong Huai finished runner-up on 36 points on countback, while Daren Chan secured third place with 36 points.
Beyond the golf, the visit also provided an opportunity to experience more of Nara’s local culture and hospitality. During the stay, I was kindly invited by several RSGC members to enjoy Halal Wagyu Ramen at Halal Wagyu Ramen & Gyukatsu GYUMON Nara, followed by a memorable seafood course dinner the next day. It was truly a wonderful experience and another reminder of the warmth and generosity shared throughout the trip.
The Interclub visit once again reflected the strong friendship and long-standing relationship shared between RSGC and both Japanese clubs, both on and off the course. Congratulations also to Maverick Moh for emerging as the leading performer at both Biwako Country Club and Nara International Golf Club during the trip.
RSGC extends a sincere thank you to both Biwako Country Club and Nara International Golf Club for their warm hospitality and kind hosting throughout the trip. Every RSGC member thoroughly enjoyed the experience both on and off the course. The matches, cultural experiences, and friendships made the Interclub trip truly memorable. RSGC looks forward to welcoming our Japanese friends back to Kuala Lumpur next year.
