#Japan #Mito #SHIBAHU Lab #Royal Green Mito #Toptracer Range

A Groundbreaking Initiative by SHIBAHU Lab.

SHIBAHU Lab., a Tokyo-based company, has made significant strides in revolutionizing golf practice in Japan. Known for developing the innovative natural grass plate, "SHIBAHU," the firm recently introduced a new practice facility at Royal Green in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. From August 1, 2026, golfers in Japan will benefit from this unique experience where they can hit full shots from natural grass while utilizing advanced trajectory measurement technology, all in the same practice bay.

The Unique Golfing Experience

The newly designed facility features six practice bays, allowing golfers to swing from real grass and analyze their shots with the Toptracer Range. This unique blend of natural grass and technological support empowers golfers to better understand their performance in an environment that mirrors real game conditions. As far as SHIBAHU's research indicates, this is the first facility in Japan to offer such an advanced setup for golfers.

The introduction of this facility addresses a common issue in golf practice: the disparity between training sessions on artificial mats and actual golfing experiences on natural turf. Many golfers struggle with adjusting to the different footing, club interaction, and resistance when transitioning from practice to the golfing course, leading to inconsistencies in their game. SHIBAHU Lab.’s mission is to create a practice environment that more closely resembles real golfing conditions to enhance golfers' skills more effectively.

Innovative Bay Configurations

The setup at Royal Green consists of three distinct bay types:
1. Chipping Bays (4 bays): These aim to provide a closer feel to real-course conditions. The unique chipping area is designed with natural grass not only at the hitting zone but also extending underfoot, offering a realistic feeling for golfers as they practice their approach shots over a 130-yard descending fairway environment.
2. Full Shot Bay (1 bay): This bay features natural grass for hitting complete shots with various clubs, including drivers, allowing golfers to practice their full swing efficiently and analyze their shot-making process.
3. Full Shot with Trajectory Measurement Bay (1 bay): Combining natural grass with the Toptracer technology, this bay is where golfers can hit shots and simultaneously monitor their distance, ball speed, and launch angle. This integration ensures practical and analytical benefits for golfers wishing to improve their game.

Benefits of Natural Grass Training

The primary advantages of practicing on natural grass at SHIBAHU Lab. include:

• - Visual Feedback on Mistakes: Unlike artificial mats that do not reveal much about the shot, natural grass retains marks from contact, enabling golfers to visually assess their swing mechanics and rectify errors effectively.
• - Authentic Feel and Sound: Golfers experience the same sensation and audio associated with striking a ball on natural grass, allowing a realistic simulation of the conditions faced on an actual course.
• - Sustainable Operations: SHIBAHU Lab. emphasizes sustainability by recovering used grass, fostering its regrowth on their farmland before reintroducing it into their practice bays. This circular process emphasizes minimizing waste and optimizing resource use.

Moving Forward

SHIBAHU Lab. is not stopping at the current facility. Their ambition is to expand this innovative concept to golf ranges across the country, aiming to standardize practice environments that do not rely on artificial turf. The company is committed to nurturing a sustainable model that emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly practices in sports.

SHIBAHU Lab. is poised to lead the way in transforming how golfers train and practice in Japan, bridging the gap between practice and performance, and contributing to more consistent and enjoyable golfing experiences.

For more details about SHIBAHU Lab. and their latest offerings, visit their website at SHIBAHU Lab..