Target Bird Golf

Target Bird Golf

Highest governing body	Japan Target Bird Golf Association
Nicknames	TBG
First played	1969 (concept), 1985 (official)
Characteristics
Contact	No
Team members	Individual or teams
Mixed-sex	Yes
Type	Precision sport
Equipment	Shuttle ball, wedge club, target hole
Venue	Outdoor courses
Presence
Olympic	No
Paralympic	No

Target Bird Golf (Japanese: ターゲット・バードゴルフ, Tāgetto Bādo Gorufu), often abbreviated as TBG and sometimes described in English as badminton golf, is a precision sport that originated in Japan. It is essentially a miniaturized version of golf, using a specialized shuttlecock-style ball with synthetic feathers attached to a golf ball, which players strike with a standard golf wedge. The objective is to land the ball in an umbrella-shaped target hole, completing an 18-hole course in as few strokes as possible.

The sport was conceived in 1969 by Takashige Nojima (野嶋孝重, Nojima Takashige), a golf enthusiast from Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, and was officially introduced to the public in 1985. The feathered tail limits the ball's flight distance, allowing full golf swings to be taken safely in small spaces such as parks and open lots. Classified in Japan as a "new sport" (ニュースポーツ), it emphasizes control and accuracy over power and has become popular primarily among older adults as a lifelong sport (生涯スポーツ, shōgai supōtsu).

History

Target Bird Golf was conceived in 1969 by Takashige Nojima, a golf enthusiast from Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. Golf practice facilities were scarce in Japan at the time, and Nojima sought a way to practice full golf swings in confined spaces. He attached badminton-style feathers to a golf ball; he later said the idea was reinforced by watching the Apollo 11 lunar landing on television in 1969, likening the gentle descent of the lunar module to the flight of his feathered ball.

The game was formally announced under the name "Target Bird Golf" on February 8, 1985. Originally a nearest-the-pin contest, it gradually evolved into its present stroke-play format with dedicated equipment. The Japan Target Bird Golf Association (日本ターゲット・バードゴルフ協会) was founded in June 1988, and the sport was adopted as an official event of the first National Sports and Recreation Festival held that year. The first All-Japan Target Bird Golf Tournament was held in 2003.

Since 2005, when it appeared at the Okayama games, Target Bird Golf has been contested as a demonstration sport at Japan's National Sports Festival (Kokutai), including the 2019 Ibaraki, 2022 Tochigi, and 2023 Kagoshima festivals, with inclusion at the 2026 Aomori games. It is also a regular event at the Nenrin-pic (National Health and Welfare Festival), Japan's national sports and culture festival for older adults. Since 1999 the sport has spread beyond Japan, with international exchange events involving players in Hawaii, Australia, China, Thailand, and South Korea.

Gameplay

Target Bird Golf follows the basic structure of golf. A round is normally played by groups of four over 18 holes with a par of 72, using stroke play or match play formats. Players use only one club—typically a standard golf pitching wedge or an association-approved club—for all shots.

Each shot is played from a small shot mat, which protects the ground and turf. The feathered ball typically flies 18 to 22 metres on a full swing, and long holes measure roughly 70 to 90 metres. Because the ball carries a feather tail, wind significantly affects its flight, adding a tactical element to play.

The target consists of two parts: an upper "advantage hole" about 110 cm in diameter, shaped like an upturned umbrella, and a ground-level "second hole" ring about 86 cm in diameter. Holing out in the second hole incurs one additional stroke compared with the advantage hole. Playing order after the first hole follows the lowest score on the previous hole; balls hit out of bounds are returned to the fairway without approaching the hole, with a one-stroke penalty. Scooping, pushing, or dragging the ball is prohibited and penalized two strokes. The current competition rules took effect on April 1, 2021.

Equipment and courses

Official play requires four items: the certified ball, a single club, a shot mat, and the hole target. The certified ball is made of synthetic resin, weighing no more than 30 grams, with a ball diameter of about 40 mm, a feather skirt about 65 mm in diameter, and an overall length of about 105 mm. Courses may be permanent certified facilities or temporary layouts set up in parks, green spaces, vacant lots, or indoors, with holes routed around natural features such as trees and streams.

Organization and participation

The sport is administered nationally by the Japan Target Bird Golf Association, with prefectural and municipal associations organizing local leagues, beginner courses, and tournaments throughout Japan. By 2008, regional associations had been established in 44 of Japan's 47 prefectures, with approximately 100,000 players nationwide. The sport is promoted as a lifelong activity accessible to all ages and fitness levels, and has been adopted in school physical education programs and in adaptive sport programming for people with disabilities, including classified competition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. National championships and regional exchange tournaments are held annually.

See also

• Park golf
• Ground Golf
• Variations of golf

External links

• Target Bird Golf Promotion Association (in Japanese)

History

Origins and inspiration

The concept of Target Bird Golf traces back to 1960, when Nojima Takashige, then employed at Sumitomo Bank, was first introduced to golf by a client. While captivated by the sport's excitement, he was struck by the prohibitively expensive playing fees. During this era, golf practice facilities were virtually nonexistent in Japan, and the sport remained accessible only to the wealthy elite.

Nojima spent years contemplating how to make golf more accessible. The breakthrough came in 1969, when he watched the historic Apollo 11 moon landing on television. Observing the lunar module descend gently onto the moon's surface inspired him to envision a ball that could similarly float and land softly. This led to the creation of the "controlled-wing golf ball" (制御翼付ゴルフボール) – a golf ball with badminton-style synthetic feathers attached, designed to limit flight distance and enable play in confined spaces.

Official launch and early development

On February 8, 1985, the sport was officially announced under the name "Target Bird Golf." Initially conceived as a nearest-to-the-pin (ニアピン) competition, the sport underwent significant refinement and development. The turning point came in August 1985, when the sport was showcased as an attraction at the 1st Itoen Ladies Golf Tournament in Shizuoka Prefecture. For this event, Nojima transformed the format into a course-based competition, using hula hoops placed on the ground with beach umbrellas as targets.

Following national television coverage on NHK's "Sunday Sports Special" in December 1985, the sport gained widespread attention. Over 160 media outlets, including television networks, magazines, and newspapers, covered Target Bird Golf in 1986, generating significant public interest.

National organization

In June 1988, the Japan Target Bird Golf Association (日本ターゲット・バードゴルフ協会) was established, with Professor Hasegawa Junzo of the University of Tsukuba serving as its first chairman. That same year, the sport was adopted as an official event at the 1st National Sports Recreation Festival (全国スポーツ・レクリエーション祭) held in Yamanashi Prefecture.

In October 1986, the Ministry of Education officially recognized Target Bird Golf as a lifelong sport. The 1st All-Japan Target Bird Golf Championship was held in Hiroshima Prefecture in October 2003. By 2008, regional associations had been established in 44 prefectures across Japan, with an estimated 100,000 enthusiasts nationwide.

National Athletic Meet participation

In 2005, Target Bird Golf made its debut at the National Athletic Meet (Kokutai) as a demonstration sport during the Okayama Games. The sport continues to be featured at the annual Nenrin Pick (ねんりんピック), Japan's national sports festival for senior citizens, and remains a regular event at the National Sports Recreation Festival.

Rules and gameplay

Basic format

Target Bird Golf follows rules similar to traditional golf. A standard game consists of 18 holes with a par of 72 strokes. Players typically compete in groups of four, taking turns in order of their scores from the previous hole. The player with the fewest strokes at the end of the round wins.

The primary competition formats include stroke play (counting total strokes) and match play (competing hole by hole). The starting order on the first hole is determined by rock-paper-scissors (じゃんけん, janken), with subsequent holes following the standard honor system based on previous hole scores.

The target hole system

Unlike traditional golf, Target Bird Golf employs a unique dual-hole system:

• Advantage Hole (アドバンテージホール): An elevated, umbrella-shaped target with a diameter of 110 centimeters. Landing the ball in this hole counts the actual number of strokes taken.
• Second Hole (セカンドホール): A ring placed on the ground with a diameter of approximately 86 centimeters. If the ball lands in this hole instead of the elevated target, one penalty stroke is added to the player's score.

This system encourages players to aim for the elevated target while providing a fallback option, adding strategic depth to the game.

Penalties

When a ball goes out of bounds, players must return it to the fairway without bringing it closer to the hole, incurring a one-stroke penalty. Other rules regarding hazards, unplayable lies, and course conduct largely mirror those of traditional golf.

Equipment

Shuttle ball

The shuttle ball (シャトルボール) is the distinctive element of Target Bird Golf. It consists of a standard golf ball with synthetic feathers attached, resembling a large badminton shuttlecock. The feathered design creates significant air resistance, limiting the ball's flight distance and speed while allowing it to descend vertically with a soft landing. This design makes the sport playable in smaller spaces and safer than traditional golf, as the ball travels at reduced velocities.

Club

Players use a single standard golf wedge club for all shots. Unlike traditional golf, which requires a full set of clubs, Target Bird Golf's simplified equipment makes it more accessible and affordable for beginners.

Other equipment

• Shot Mat (ショットマット): An artificial turf mat with guide lines used as the hitting surface
• Target Hole: The inverted umbrella-shaped primary target (Advantage Hole) and ground-level ring (Second Hole)
• Course Markers: Boundary indicators and distance markers

Courses

Target Bird Golf courses can be either permanent certified courses or temporary setups. The sport's flexible nature allows courses to be established in various environments, including parks, empty lots, wooded areas, and even locations with natural water features. Course designs adapt to local terrain, making use of natural obstacles and landscape features.

Notable early certified courses included Akagi Kuroho Club in Gunma Prefecture (established 1987), Seto Ohashi Friend Club in Kagawa Prefecture, and various municipal courses throughout Japan. The first municipal Target Bird Golf course was established at Ichinomiya Kanegawa no Mori in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1988, in preparation for the National Sports Recreation Festival.

International spread

Beginning in 1999, Target Bird Golf has expanded beyond Japan through international exchange programs. Active promotion efforts, led by enthusiasts such as Hatano Ryoko of the Kanagawa Prefecture Target Bird Golf Association, have introduced the sport to:

• Hawaii, USA (1999) – through cooperation with Japanese American community organizations
• China (2002) – as part of Japan-China friendship recreational exchange events commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic normalization
• Thailand (2003) – with the 1st Japan-Thailand International Exchange Tournament held in Chiang Mai in 2004
• Australia (2003)
• South Korea (2005)

The Japan Target Bird Golf Association continues to pursue international expansion, with goals of promoting the sport throughout Asia and eventually organizing regional Asian championships.

Cultural significance

Target Bird Golf holds a unique position in Japanese sports culture as a homegrown sport designed specifically to address accessibility concerns. The sport embodies several Japanese cultural values:

• Lifelong Learning (生涯学習, shōgai gakushū): The sport enables continued participation throughout one's life, regardless of declining physical abilities
• Community Building: Local associations foster social connections, particularly among senior citizens
• Health Promotion: The sport is actively promoted by local governments and healthcare organizations as part of preventive care initiatives for the elderly
• Accessibility: Simple rules and affordable equipment make the sport welcoming to beginners

The motto of many Target Bird Golf associations – "Energetic, Fun, and Friendly" (元気で・楽しく・仲良く) – reflects the sport's emphasis on social enjoyment and well-being over intense competition.

Governing organizations

The sport is overseen by several organizational tiers:

• Japan Target Bird Golf Association (日本ターゲット・バードゴルフ協会): National governing body established in 1988
• Target Bird Golf Promotion Association (一般社団法人ターゲットバードゴルフ普及会): Organization dedicated to promoting and expanding the sport
• Regional Block Councils: Six regional groupings that coordinate inter-prefectural activities
• Prefectural and Municipal Associations: Local organizations in 44+ prefectures and 350+ municipalities

Legacy

Nojima Takashige, the inventor of Target Bird Golf, passed away on January 14, 2020. His creation has left a lasting impact on Japanese recreational sports culture, providing a unique Japanese-originated sport that continues to bring joy and healthy activity to tens of thousands of participants annually.

The sport represents a successful example of sports innovation driven by accessibility concerns, demonstrating how creative adaptation can make athletic pursuits available to broader populations. As of 2025, the sport continues to be featured at major events including the Nenrin Pick and various regional competitions throughout Japan.

See also

• Golf
• Dart golf
• Disc golf
• Footgolf
• Miniature golf
• Park golf

External links

Target Bird Golf (ターゲット・バードゴルフ, Tāgetto bādo gorufu), abbreviated TBG and sometimes described in English as badminton golf, is a golf-variant sport that originated in Japan. It is played with a special ball consisting of a golf ball fitted with a badminton-style shuttlecock tail, which players strike with a single golf wedge toward an umbrella-shaped target hole, with the objective of completing the course in the fewest strokes. The feathered tail limits the ball's flight distance, allowing full golf swings to be taken safely in small spaces such as parks and open lots. The sport is classified in Japan as a "new sport" (ニュースポーツ) and is particularly popular as a lifelong recreational sport among older adults.

History

Target Bird Golf was conceived in 1969 by Takashige Nojima, a golf enthusiast from Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture. Golf practice facilities were scarce in Japan at the time, and Nojima sought a way to practice full golf swings in confined spaces. He attached badminton-style feathers to a golf ball; he later said the idea was reinforced by watching the Apollo 11 lunar landing on television in 1969, likening the gentle descent of the lunar module to the flight of his feathered ball.

The game was formally announced under the name "Target Bird Golf" on February 8, 1985. Originally a nearest-the-pin contest, it gradually evolved into its present stroke-play format with dedicated equipment. The Japan Target Bird Golf Association (日本ターゲット・バードゴルフ協会) was founded in June 1988, and the sport was adopted as an official event of the first National Sports and Recreation Festival held that year.

Since 2005, when it appeared at the Okayama games, Target Bird Golf has been contested as a demonstration sport at Japan's National Sports Festival (Kokutai), including the 2019 Ibaraki, 2022 Tochigi, and 2023 Kagoshima festivals, with inclusion at the 2026 Aomori games. It is also a regular event at the Nenrin-pic (National Health and Welfare Festival), Japan's national sports and culture festival for older adults. The sport has spread beyond Japan to Hawaii, Australia, and China, with international exchange events between players.

Gameplay

Target Bird Golf follows the basic structure of golf. A round is normally played by groups of four over 18 holes with a par of 72, using stroke play or match play formats. Players use only one club—typically a standard golf pitching wedge or an association-approved club—for all shots.

Each shot is played from a small shot mat, which protects the ground and turf. The feathered ball typically flies 18 to 22 metres on a full swing, and long holes measure roughly 70 to 90 metres. Because the ball carries a feather tail, wind significantly affects its flight, adding a tactical element to play.

The target consists of two parts: an upper "advantage hole" about 110 cm in diameter, shaped like an upturned umbrella, and a ground-level "second hole" ring about 86 cm in diameter. Holing out in the second hole incurs one additional stroke compared with the advantage hole. Playing order after the first hole follows the lowest score on the previous hole; balls hit out of bounds are returned to the fairway without approaching the hole, with a one-stroke penalty. Scooping, pushing, or dragging the ball is prohibited and penalized two strokes.

Equipment and courses

Official play requires four items: the certified ball, a single club, a shot mat, and the hole target. The certified ball is made of synthetic resin, weighing no more than 30 grams, with a ball diameter of about 40 mm, a feather skirt about 65 mm in diameter, and an overall length of about 105 mm. Courses may be permanent certified facilities or temporary layouts set up in parks, green spaces, vacant lots, or indoors, with holes routed around natural features such as trees and streams.

Organization and participation

The sport is administered nationally by the Japan Target Bird Golf Association, with prefectural and municipal associations organizing local leagues, beginner courses, and tournaments throughout Japan. It is promoted as a lifelong sport accessible to all ages and fitness levels, and has been adopted in school physical education programs and in adaptive sport programming for people with disabilities, including classified competition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled. National championships and regional exchange tournaments are held annually.

See also

• Park golf
• Ground Golf
• Variations of golf

External links

• Target Bird Golf Promotion Association (in Japanese)