A contractor prepares to fix a net at the Camp Zama Golf Course’s driving range in Japan Aug. 19, 2024. The course is currently undergoing extensive repairs to its mesh nets as part of an ongoing effort to keep balls inside the course area. (Photo Credit: Sean Kimmons)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – The Camp Zama Golf Course is currently undergoing extensive repairs to its mesh nets as part of an ongoing effort to keep balls inside the course area.
The project, which is slated to be completed next month, will replace the net at the course’s fifth tee and repair holes and cables in other net sections at the course and its driving range.
“It’s essential that we don’t have any balls go over [the nets],” said Dale Jorgenson, the golf course manager.
The renovations come after a snowstorm earlier this year damaged portions of the nets. Jorgenson said the reason to replace the fifth tee net was mainly due to aesthetics and not necessarily from concerns that balls were being hit in that direction.
“Safety is always the No. 1 priority,” he said. “Not just the nets, but the players as well because we have a very hilly golf course.”
Jorgenson said the course’s golf carts have greatly improved over the years, and they now have automatic braking, speed control and GPS to ensure they are kept away from the steep hills.
“We’re pretty lucky that we have all the bells and whistles out here,” he said.
The majority of those who patronize the golf course are Status of Forces Agreement members, local-national employees, and honorary club members and their escorted guests, Jorgenson said.
The golf course also hosts several bilateral golfing activities throughout the year, which he said is one of the main purposes of having the amenity available to the community.
Since the community here is smaller compared to other larger installations, Jorgenson said it can be easier for anybody who wants to play to get a round in.
“There’s a lot of people where this is their life,” he said. “Saturday and Sunday they are out here early playing golf. It’s a huge quality of life [resource] for the community.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers originally built the golf course’s front nine holes in 1947, followed by the back nine holes two years later.
Jorgenson, who began working at the course in 2002, said it has been reconfigured a few times to enhance safety and prevent balls from leaving the course. There have also been other projects to replace sections of the nets and increase their height.
“I have been here long enough to understand how important it is,” he said. “We’re going to do what we’ve got to do to keep the balls on this side, even if that means changing some of the holes. It’s a small price to pay to keep [the course] open.”
