Course Design Standards

The IPGAA adopts the standards set by the Japan/Nippon Park Golf Association (NPGA) {please make note of acronym, do not be misled or deceived by similar acronyms}.

Area is needed
1. A minimum of 3 acres for 18 holes is desirable
2. Although there is no specific upper limit, 5 acres of flat, open land is sufficient
Course Layout and development
1. Course is laid out in units of 9 holes, if 18 holes are in the same location, holes should be displayed as A 1-9 and B 1-9
2. Standard par for 9 holes is 33 (66 for 18) and should be divided into par 3, 4, and 5. A typical layout would include 4 x 3 par holes, 4 x 4 par holes, and 1 x 5 par hole.
3. Maximum distance of one hole is 110 yards (100 meters)
4. Distance of 9 holes must not exceed 546 yards (500 meters)
5. Layouts that include dog legs are not recommended. Parallel holes in the same direction or intersecting holes are unacceptable. Safety and flow of play are to always be in consideration.
6. Tee Ground should be about 4 ½ x 4 ½ feet (1.3 x 1.3 meters) minimum with a height not to exceed 11 inches (30 cm) from the ground. In addition, the tee mark should be set or drawn at a minimum of 16 inches (40 cm) from the end of the tee ground.
7. Greens: Shape is up to the designer, but when considered as a circle, the preferred diameter is 16 feet (5 meters) or more.
8. Bunkers: As with all design, take into consider all aspects of the hole; distance, location, shape, green… There is not limit to the size or number of bunkers.
9. Fairways and Ruff: They may be divided, but the grass height of the ruff must be trimmed to allow the ball to ‘escape’.
10. Overall design: There may be some measure to increase difficult of the course, but care should be taken not to deter participation. Park Golf is intended for a minimum of 3 generations to be able to enjoy together.
11. OB (out of bounds): Setting OB lines and OB zones should be clearly visible. Pylons or stakes should be about 16 inches (40 cm) above the ground
  - OB Lines are marked with white pylons / stakes
  - OB Zones are marked with upper part painted blue
12. Cups: Hole cups must be sunk 1/2 inch (10 cm) below the ground surface
13. Pin: Pin should be between 6.5 ft – 8 ft (2 – 2.5 meters) tall.
14. Hole distinction: Each hole should have a Tee sign (course diagram with OB explanation is helpful, but not necessary)

Points to remember:
1. It is recommended that the long holes are placed approximately 3 holes from the start to facilitate play progression, especially when considering large groups.
2. Tee ground can be of any construction. Some easy considerations are: Wooden frame filled with sand (or soil) and a large rubber mat with artificial turf laid on top.
3. OBs are set up to clarify the boundaries of the course and ensure the safety of players. Layouts that hinder the enjoyment and progress of play should be avoided and the scenery of the course should be considered.
Safety Measures and Indications within the course

The following measures shall be taken to prevent accidents on the course and ensure the safely of players.

Clubs, balls, tees, etc used on the course should be Park Golf Equipment certified by the strict standards and testing of the NPGA and/or approved by the IPGAA.
If an individual is found using equipment that does not meet this standard, play should be stopped and player offered safe official Park Golf equipment, especially if playing in a group.