Playing Golf with Japanese Business Partners: Etiquette and Phrases
Golf is still a common way to build relationships with Japanese clients and partners, especially among senior managers. A round in Japan usually means an early start, nine holes, a sit-down lunch, another nine holes and a bath at the clubhouse, so it’s a whole day together. What matters most is not your score but good manners, keeping pace, and friendly conversation, and a few Japanese golf phrases like ナイスショット！ go a long way.
Why golf matters in Japanese business
Golf gives people time to talk outside the meeting room. Business is rarely discussed in detail on the course, but trust built over a day of golf can make the next meeting easier. Invitations from clients are worth accepting if you can, and inviting a client yourself is a strong gesture. It works in the same spirit as after-work drinks (nomikai).
How a round in Japan usually works
- Arrive early, often an hour before your tee time, to check in, change and greet everyone.
- Play the first nine holes, often with a caddie or a cart.
- Lunch at the clubhouse, a proper meal with conversation, sometimes with a beer.
- Play the second nine.
- Bath (お風呂) in the clubhouse, a relaxed time to chat. See onsen etiquette for bath manners.
Golf phrases
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| よろしくお願いします。 | At the first tee, to everyone in your group. |
| ナイスショット！ | After a good shot. |
| ナイスオン！ | When a ball lands on the green. |
| ナイスパー！ | After someone makes par. |
| ドンマイ！ | “Never mind”, after a bad shot. |
| お先に失礼します。 | When you hole out before others. |
| ファー！ | The Japanese version of “Fore!”. |
| 今日はありがとうございました。 | At the end of the day. |
Etiquette that stands out
- Be on time, or early, for everything, including after lunch.
- Keep up the pace of play; it matters more than your score.
- Compliment others’ good shots generously, and be modest about your own.
- Thank the caddie, and follow their advice on lines and clubs.
- If you are the host, arrange everything and pay; if you are the guest, thank the host warmly.
For wider business manners, see Japanese business etiquette.
Conversation on the course
Keep it light: the course, the weather, food, travel, family and hobbies. Asking about someone’s golf history (ゴルフ歴はどのくらいですか) is an easy opener. Avoid pushing business topics unless your host raises them. Our guide to small talk at work has more safe topics.
After the round
Send a short thank-you email the next day, mentioning something specific about the day. See Japanese business email or, for a more formal note, a thank-you letter after a business visit.
How Hanabuddies can help
A native tutor can prepare you for a golf day with Japanese partners: greetings, golf phrases, small talk over lunch and the thank-you email afterwards. We can also translate your follow-up messages, and provide an interpreter for the day itself or your next meeting with the same partners, in person or online.