The R&A Foundation and the Japan Golf Association (JGA) have signed a new agreement to support the promotion and development of golf in Japan. The partnership focuses on nurturing next-generation talent and advancing long-term sustainability across the sport.

Under the agreement, both organizations will engage in philanthropic activities and share expertise to implement five key initiatives aimed at supporting golf's growth throughout the country.

Five Key Focus Areas

The partnership centers on five targeted operational pillars:

1. Accessibility (Ease of Participation): Investing in facilities and programs to create opportunities for people to participate in golf.
2. Sustainability (Environmental Sustainability): Assessing and understanding the environmental impact of golf.
3. Health: Conducting research and executing programs aimed at improving public health through golf participation.
4. Heritage (History and Tradition): Preserving and transmitting golf culture, history, traditions, and historic assets.
5. Talent (Human Potential): Developing human potential and unlocking player talent through the sport.

These initiatives align with The R&A Foundation’s core mission to "create good for golf and good through golf." The Foundation collaborates with national golf associations to execute projects in more than 20 countries aimed at transforming individual lives and local communities.

To fund and support these projects in Japan, The R&A Foundation and the JGA will work together to convene individual donors, corporate partners, and charitable organizations from both domestic and international markets.

Leadership Statements

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, stated:

"Our partnership with the Japan Golf Association is an important step in strengthening the work of The R&A Foundation in Asia. By working together, we can broaden access to golf, nurture new talent, advance sustainability, and support programmes that create ‘good for golf and good through golf’ for communities across Japan.”

Kazuhiro Tsuga, Chairman of the Japan Golf Association, highlighted the expanded scope of collaboration:

“At the JGA, we have always worked with close ties to The R&A, focusing on the promotion of the Rules of Golf, the development of referees, and the promotion of golf. Through this strategic partnership with The R&A Foundation, we are pleased to be able to further advance the golf promotion and development activities in Japan that the JGA conducts pursuant to its Articles of Incorporation, and to contribute more effectively to improving the health of the public and to raising awareness of golf culture through golf. With the cooperation and support of The R&A Foundation, the JGA would like to play a role in leading the promotion of golf not only in Japan, but also across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Source: The R&A