Dean Wilson tees off at the inaugural TUJ golf event in Tochigi Prefecture. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ Student)

Dean Wilson tees off at the inaugural TUJ golf event in Tochigi Prefecture. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ Student)

Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) held its first all-Temple University Golf Event on May 27, 2023 at the Eastwood Country Club in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. The event, which was a part of TUJ’s 40th anniversary celebrations, brought together faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends of the TUJ community for a day of golf and philanthropy. More than 40 people participated.

Participants enjoy playing and engaging on the green at the all-TUJ golf event. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ student)
Participants enjoy playing and engaging on the green at the all-TUJ golf event. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ student)

One of the major objectives of the golf outing was to raise funds for student scholarships, including supporting nine Ukrainian evacuees. The support from the attendees at this golf event made a meaningful impact, offering financial relief and valuable opportunities for deserving students to pursue their academic aspirations.

A series of creative rules were introduced during the event. The U.S.-style scrambling golf rule was adopted. This first allowed all players to hit each shot. Then the team could select the best shot and play from that location. Other creative rules included mulligans, which allowed a player to try again if they hit a bad shot. Each player could use up to two mulligans, with each involving a donation to the student scholarship fund.

Another rule involved the use of a string in exchange for a donation to the student scholarship fund. A member of a team could donate money in exchange for up to 50 cm of string. If a team missed a birdie putt and the best putt was 10 cm from the hole, they could cut off 10 cm of their string and count the birdie as made.

These rules not only enhanced the fun of the sport but also brought together experienced players and beginners, fostering more conversations and enhancing teamwork throughout the competition. Reflecting on the success of the event, TUJ Dean Matthew Wilson expressed his hope to establish this golf event as an annual or semi-annual tradition.

The TUJ community gathers at the clubhouse for refreshments and award ceremony after the golf event. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ Student)
The TUJ community gathers at the clubhouse for refreshments and award ceremony after the golf event. Photo by Anthony Smith (TUJ Student)

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