When he was a youngster in Japan, Suguru ‘Scott’ Nakase loved playing baseball. When his father moved the family to U.K., he was devastated. “Baseball was virtually nonexistent there,” he says. “But that move also led me to the sport that would become my lifelong work: golf.” He started playing on a 9-hole course near their home where his first score was a 64. “I still vividly remember making my first birdie on the 7th hole with a cleek and a sand wedge, an unforgettable memory even after 30 years,” he says. “During a family trip to St Andrews, we happened to visit on a Sunday, which allowed us to walk directly on the course. I was instantly captivated. I dreamed of one day playing there, and 30 years later, hickory golf would make that dream come true.”
While in his 20s, Scott spent about four years playing as a professional golfer. Today, he works as an HR consultant, helping people and organizations thrive. He still loves playing golf. “My greatest joy on weekends is playing golf with my 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter,” he says. “She practices hard with the dream of becoming a professional golfer someday; perhaps one day our dream will come true.” Scott began playing hickory golf in October 2021 after meeting Alex Bruce, an ex-pat Scotsman who lives and works in Japan and is a hickory golf organizer. In 2022, he participated in the World Hickory Open Championship in Scotland, where his dream of playing the Old Course was realized. “After winning several major titles in Japan, I am now also involved in tournament operations,” he says. “If you ever wish to play hickory golf in Japan, please feel free to contact me. My wonderful friends and I would be delighted to welcome you.”
How often do you play hickories?
It is about 80 percent of the time now.
What’s in your play set?
- George Nicoll – GEM putter
- Tom Stewart – Niblick 55° (up to 100 yds)
- Tom Stewart – Niblick 50° (120–130)
- Tom Stewart – Mashie niblick 45° (130–140)
- Tom Stewart – Mashie niblick 40° (140–160)
- Tom Stewart – Mashie 35° (160–180)
- Tom Stewart – Mashie 30° (180–200)
- Tom Stewart – 2 Iron (220)
- Tad Moore Jack White – Driver (260)
Favorite club?
My favorite is the 50° Tom Stewart niblick. Though an original club, it is in really good shape and easy to hit.
What ball do you play?
I like the feel and performance of the Bridgestone Extra Soft. I feel like it goes a little farther than the other balls.
Favorite course for hickories?
My favorite course experience with hickory clubs was the Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo course. It is my home course and I’ve met hickory golf here. Golf course owner always said ‘turn this course into a hickory golf sanctuary!’ And I must not forget Prestwick Golf Club. When I played there on the final day of the 2023 World Hickory Open Championship, I was captivated by the originality and challenge of the course design, and above all, by the beauty of the scenery.
Favorite hickory tournament?
Japan Hickory Masters and PGA Hickory Golf Tournament, both held in Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo course. The PGA tournament is a two-day event in which 30 professionals and 30 amateurs play together. It’s a fantastic competition where you can watch top level professional skills up close.
Any particular player or aspect of golf history you especially enjoy?
I’m a fan of Jack Nicklaus. My golf master was strongly influenced by him, and the characteristics of his swing have shaped my own. In particular, I focus heavily on imitating his putting style. As for golf history, I’m especially interested in course architecture and golf-related art.
Best thing about hickory golf?
Pure enjoy. By using hickory clubs, I can reflect on the origins of the game and enjoy golf in its purest form.
Ideas to promote hickory golf?
In Japan, we still haven’t been able to fully organize ourselves, but I hope to build an organization that can support a safe and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy hickory golf in the future. Meanwhile, in regions such as Tokyo and Osaka, we now hold monthly games as well as two Japan major championships each year. In 2025, we also hosted the APAC Hickory Championship, and being able to hold an international tournament in Japan allowed us to welcome many new hickory golfers in Japan. Awareness of hickory golf is gradually spreading among Japanese golfers. By collaborating with well known professional golfers who love hickory, we hope to further increase recognition through magazines and social media.