Net repairs at Camp Zama Golf Course to improve safety | Article

CAMP ZAMA, Japan — Camp Zama Golf Course is undergoing extensive repairs to its mesh netting as part of an effort to keep balls within the course perimeter.

The project, which is scheduled to be completed next month, will involve replacing the netting on the course’s fifth tee and repairing holes and cables in other netting sections of the course and its driving range.

“It’s important that no ball flies over the net,” said Dale Jorgenson, the golf course manager.

The renovations come after a snowstorm earlier this year damaged parts of the nets. Jorgenson said the reason for replacing the fifth tee net was mainly aesthetic and not necessarily a concern about balls being hit in that direction.

“Safety is always our top priority,” he said. “Not just the nets, but also the players, because our golf course is very hilly.”

Jorgenson said the course’s golf carts have been greatly improved over the years and now feature automatic braking, speed control and GPS to ensure they stay off the steep hills.

“We’re pretty lucky to have all kinds of extras here,” he said.

The majority of golf course visitors are Status of Forces Agreement members, local and national employees, and honorary club members and their accompanying guests, Jorgenson said.

The golf course also hosts several bilateral golf activities throughout the year, which he said is one of the main reasons for making this facility available to the community.

Because the community here is smaller compared to other larger establishments, Jorgenson says it can be easier for anyone who wants to play to get a round in.

“For a lot of people, this is their life,” he said. “On Saturdays and Sundays, they’re here early and playing golf. It’s a tremendous quality of life (resource) for the community.”

The first nine holes of the golf course were originally built in 1947 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, with the back nine holes following two years later.

Jorgenson, who began working on the court in 2002, said it has been redesigned several times to increase safety and prevent balls from leaving the court. There have also been other projects involving replacing parts of the netting and increasing its height.

“I’ve been here long enough to understand how important this is,” he said. “We’ll do what we have to do to keep the balls on that side, even if it means changing some of the holes. It’s a small price to pay to keep (the course) open.”

Related Links:

News from the US Army Garrison Japan

Official website of USAG Japan