Tokyo, Japan: Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) and OHBA Co Ltd – Japan’s largest urban planning and civil engineering consulting company – have announced a partnership for golf course redesign and renovation.
GNGCD and OHBA will assist golf courses in Japan that have lost their original strategic elements over time by updating them to higher design standards, focusing on reducing capital expenditures and lowering future maintenance and operating costs.
A Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, GNGCD will lead initial concept and design, and OHBA will guide soil research, land survey, permitting, landscape, and overall construction management, providing a ‘one-stop’ solution for golf courses.
Last month, Shigeru Tsujimoto, President of OHBA, and Chris Campbell, Vice President of GNGCD, gave a joint press conference at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, presenting specific strategies to mark the beginning of the strategic partnership.
“Much like other top markets around the world, golf in Japan has struggled with post-recession challenges and there is a need to attract a greater number of international players,” said Campbell.
“Our co-operation with OHBA will allow us to use our combined expertise to offer the highest level of project planning and development in the industry as well as the global exposure and credibility that is associated with the Greg Norman brand.
“Ultimately, it’s all about having the quality and brand value to appeal to a larger audience and we’ve definitely assembled the right team to deliver on that.”
GNGCD will provide creative and innovative solutions for redesign in Japan focusing on a renovate, restore, reposition and rebrand approach, as well as consulting for quick recovery of capital investment through recruitment of new members and increased rounds.
Established in 1922, OHBA is a full-service civil engineering consultant and is the largest company in Japan leading urban development.
Their experience working with a myriad of highly-regarded golf course designers spanning more than 100 golf courses makes OHBA one of the most experienced Japanese companies in the industry.