Golf has surged in its popularity in Japan amid the coronavirus pandemic as a sport that can be enjoyed outdoors, avoiding the "three Cs" of confined spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings that people are advised to avoid to reduce the risk of infection.
The sport has seen increases in visits to courses and related merchandise sales, as more people — particularly those from younger generations — are taking it up as a new hobby. These trends continued into the second state of emergency declared for parts of the country in early January.
A nationwide association for golf course operators said visitors decreased last April after the first state of emergency was announced, with visits dropping by 36% from the same period a year earlier.