Simplification of Non-Member Golf Course Usage Methods and Ancillary Facility Registration Procedures
Listening to On-Site Feedback in April for Improvements
Various regulations that have caused inconvenience to golf course operators and users are expected to be eased.
On the 22nd, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) announced in a press release that it will "improve various regulations that have caused inconvenience to golf course operators and users to strengthen the competitiveness of the golf industry." The regulatory relaxations proposed by the MCST mainly include three points: ▲improvement of the usage method of non-membership golf courses ▲simplification of the registration procedures for ancillary facilities within golf courses ▲transfer of authority to designate public golf courses.
First, the usage method of non-membership golf courses will be improved. Currently, under Article 21 of the 「Act on the Installation and Use of Sports Facilities」, non-membership golf courses (including public golf courses) operate on a reservation basis in the order of booking, and if there are no reservations, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. This has raised issues such as restrictions on golf package products that require securing usage time in advance for a certain period, group use, and practice and tournament hosting for youth golf players. The MCST plans to revise the 「Act on the Installation and Use of Sports Facilities」 reflecting these voices from the field.
The registration procedures for ancillary facilities within golf courses will also be simplified. Until now, to operate convenience facilities such as restaurants, bathhouses, and stores within golf courses, separate reporting and licensing procedures had to be followed under the individual laws of the 「Food Sanitation Act」 and the 「Public Hygiene Management Act」. However, going forward, when registering a golf course business, the ancillary facilities will be considered registered together, significantly reducing the administrative burden on golf course operators.
The authority to designate public golf courses held by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism will also be transferred to local governments. Under the 「Act on the Installation and Use of Sports Facilities」, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism currently designates non-membership golf courses that meet certain fee and other requirements as public golf courses. This designation authority will be transferred to the mayors and governors of cities and provinces to simplify administrative procedures and improve administrative efficiency.
An MCST policy official stated, "We will hold a session in April to listen to voices from the field regarding improvements to golf regulations," adding, "We will strive to organize unnecessary systems to contribute to the popularization of golf and the development of the golf industry."
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