18Birdies now speaks the language of Japanese golf.
Japan is one of the most golf-obsessed countries on the planet with over 3,000 courses packed into a country you could drive end to end in a day. For perspective, that's roughly the same number of courses as the UK and Ireland combined, two of the most golf-synonymous nations in the world.
One thing sets Japanese golf apart from anywhere else in the world. Roughly 35% of courses in Japan have two greens on every single hole. Not just two holes in a green, but rather two separate putting surfaces each with its own flag, grass, and distances. This is by design: Japan's climate swings hard between hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters, so many courses maintain one warm-season green (typically Bermuda) and one cool-season green (typically bentgrass), rotating which is in play so conditions stay sharp year-round.
For years, golfers in Japan have dealt with apps that did not account for this, leading to inaccurate distances, wrong hole info, and a frustrating experience. Last year we launched our localized Japan version, and this was always the next step. For a country with some of the best golf in the world and more than a few courses on our team's bucket list, we wanted to get this right.
Introducing Japan Double Greens on 18Birdies.
How It Works in 18Birdies
Start your round like you normally would. If the course you are playing has double greens, a Switch Green button will appear on the right side of your screen during your round. Tap it to swap between Green A and Green B at any point.
Green A and Green B each have their own distances and hole information mapped separately so your GPS, shot tracking, and scoring are accurate to the green you are actually playing.
Play Japan the Right Way
Every feature in 18Birdies, GPS distances, shot tracking, Strokes Gained, and round history, now reflects the correct green for your round. No guessing which flag to aim at, no wrong distances, no confusion about where you stand. Just show up, pick your green, and play.
Japan has some of the best golf in the world. Whether you are a Japanese golfer playing your home course every weekend or making Japan your next golf destination, 18Birdies is here to support you.
FAQ
Why do golf courses in Japan have two greens?
Japan's climate is extreme, with hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters. To keep greens in peak condition year-round, many courses maintain two separate putting surfaces per hole, each seeded with grass suited to different conditions. One green is always in play while the other recovers, so you are always putting on a surface in its best shape.
Does 18Birdies support double greens for every course in Japan?
Yes, for every double green course in Japan that we know of. If you find one we've missed, reach out to us at Support@18Birdies.com and we'll get it added.
Do you support double greens outside of Japan?
We are aware that double greens exist at a small number of courses outside of Japan. We don't support those yet, but it's on our roadmap.
Can I switch greens mid-round?
Yes. Tap the Switch Green button in the top right of your screen at any point to swap between Green A and Green B. The button persists for the duration of any hole with a double green and will not appear on holes with a standard single green.
Will my GPS distances, shot tracking, and Strokes Gained still be accurate?
Yes. Green A and Green B are each mapped separately, so all of your data reflects the green you are actually playing.
What happens if I accidentally land on the inactive green?
Mandatory free relief. You are not allowed to play from the inactive green even if you wanted to. Under USGA Rule 13.1f, find the nearest point of complete relief off the inactive green, no closer to the hole, and drop within one club-length. Note that relief procedures can vary by course, so check the day's Local Rules or ask the starter to confirm.
Will my round history show which green I played?
Yes. Your round data is tied to whichever green you had selected, so your history and stats will always reflect the correct green.
