JAPAN: Mie Ken launches world’s first ‘Golf Triathlon’

Mie prefecture, Japan— Mie Golf Tourism Organization (MGTO) announced today the launch of the world’s first Golf Triathlon, taking place on the 14th of October at the renowned Tsu Country Club in Mie prefecture.

The triathlon event for the first time will combine golf, running, and cycling. The organizers hope that the combination of these individual sports will have a wide appeal to both domestic and international golfers, attracting many foreign participants and also inspire other Golf triathlon events in Japan and abroad.

Event organizer, Mr. Shunsuke Matsuo, Representative Director of Japan Golf Triathlon Association said: ‘We have 3 main objectives for the event, firstly to encourage a new generation of athletes into golf and this new triathlon sport. Secondly, we would like to help Golf courses pursue new possibilities as outdoor sporting venues, creating new business opportunities. And lastly, we hope to create a ripple economic effect, working in coordination and cooperation with local governments and businesses to grow the event as well as tourism in the local areas.

The triathlon is based on points, with the winner the one with the lowest point accumulation. There will be 3 categories of competition: Ironman, Challenge and Relay. Ironman is the full triathlon, challenge participants are only required to bike and run half of the distance, and for the relay competitors, the course can be shared between 3 team members.

The first leg consists of running, with participants accumulating 1 point per second. Ironman level is required to complete 18 holes of the course, and just 9 for the other categories. Next comes cycling; participants must complete 2 lap of the 36-hole course (challenge participants just 18 holes), with one second equivalent to one point. The final leg is golf: A standard 18-hole stroke play format for all categories, not determined by time, participants can carry their own bag, or can wheel it on a trolley. Competition rules are the local rules of the course. Points calculation is 40 points per stroke.

Details of the event:

Participation is limited to 150 people.

Date and time: October 14th 2019

Venue: Tsu Country Club and surrounding roads
Address: 30 Katadahase-cho, Tsu, Mie Prefecture 514-0077

Entry fee:
Ironman: ¥15,000 / person
Challenge: ¥15,000 / person
Team Relay: ¥21,000 / team

Credit IAGTO