Virtual Golf for a Cause
Take to the links safely and help children in need
In 2018, Jarman International started a monthly charity golf cup in partnership with EastWood Country Club, in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, to support Mirai no Mori, a non-profit organization that creates life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned youth in Japan.
Last April, when Covid-19 restrictions started to drastically reshape the world’s definition of normal, Chief Executive Officer Ruth Marie Jarman wanted to continue supporting Mirai no Mori and find a way to keep hosting the fun and friendly golf competition while following social distancing guidelines and keeping participants safe.
It would be easy to simply put charity support on hold in turbulent times, but for Jarman that wasn’t an option. “I knew that Mirai no Mori needed us more than ever, and people needed a way to exercise, interact with others, and relieve stress safely,” she said. “In trying times, playing golf under a bright blue sky—with a bit of laughter—can be such a wonderful remedy. We also noticed that golf was becoming increasingly popular around the world because of its inherent social distancing, so we knew there was a way. All we had to do was think creatively.”
After much thought, Jarman came up with an innovative idea: a virtual monthly competition in which golfers can participate by playing a round any time during the month at EastWood Country Club. They then send their score cards to Jarman by the end of the month and are entered for a chance to win a trophy and cash prize of ¥100,000.
Just by enjoying a fun round of golf, all participants help Jarman continue to support Mirai no Mori. We hope you will join in and help make a difference in the lives of marginalized youth in Japan, one swing at a time.
How to Participate
Play a round of 18 holes at EastWood Country Club any time during the month. If you would like Jarman International to make the reservation for you, please contact nina@jarman-international.com. (There is no extra fee to participate in the Cup.)
Submit a photograph or PDF of your scorecard to nina@jarman-international.com by the end of the month. Please make sure it is signed by someone who played with you and clearly legible.
All Cup participants’ scores will be calculated at the end of the month, and the winner will be announced during the first week of the following month. Scores are calculated based on the New ‘Shin’ Peoria system (double par plus one rule with the upper limit), a popular format in Japan in which secret handicaps vary by hole and essentially create a flat playing field that gives everyone a chance to win!
Finally, the winner will be invited to a celebratory lunch in Tokyo at Jarman International’s partner restaurant, Coconoma Season Dining, and presented with the Charity Cup Trophy as well as a cash prize of ¥100,000!
Standard Rates
Weekdays: ¥7,500
Saturdays: ¥14,900
Sundays/Holidays: ¥3,900
Tomonokai Member Rates
Weekdays: ¥3,600
Saturdays: ¥8,600
Sundays/Holidays: ¥7,600
Rates include: cart fees, shuttle service from Utsunomiya Station, and access to the locker room showers and hot bath. Lunch available for ¥1,500 extra.
Presented in partnership with Jarman International K.K.
THE JOURNAL
Vol. 58 Issue 4
A flagship publication of The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ), The ACCJ Journal is a business magazine with a 58-year history.
Christopher Bryan Jones, Publisher & Editor