Seijiro Suzuki is from Japan, but he loves China. As the Chairman / Chief Executive Officer of Toshiba Electronics Management (China)Co.,Ltd., he has been posted in Shanghai for three years now, and explains his fascination with the country. “In Shanghai, security is excellent, and the local cuisine is delicious, especially here at Silport. It’s so good that I almost don’t miss Japanese food!” Suzuki also loves Shanghai’s temperate year-round climate. But another big draw, in his opinion, is Chinese-style massage, which is reasonably priced and highly professional. Suzuki notes, “I golf 90 times a year, and afterwards I always need a massage.”

Prior to arriving in China, Suzuki was stationed in Taiwan for seven years and Southern California for four, where he found that the sport of golf is highly conducive to social networking, as most Japanese will attest to. “I play for health reasons, of course, but also for networking opportunities, not only with Japanese businessmen, but also Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese, Koreans and Westerners.

When asked about his favorite course back home, Suzuki says he usually selects a course that is easy to reach. “I often golf at Kisarazu, which is about an hour from my home in Yokohama, and the drive there along the seaside is nice.”

As for China’s courses outside Shanghai, Suzuki expresses admiration for Spring City in Kunming, Fuchun Resort in Hangzhou, and certain courses in Dalian.But Suzuki proclaims Spring City as China’s best. “Tee-time intervals are relatively long, their course layout is interesting, green speeds are fast, and the climate is temperate. And, at 1500m altitude, the ball travels further,” he gleefully notes.

For every golfer, a hole-in-one is an unforgettable experience, and Suzuki’s first one was no different. “On September 10, 2006 I made it at Silport’s 3rd hole, east course. I was certainly excited, but also realized that I would have to give gifts to about 500 people!”

Suzuki also concurs that most Japanese golfers choose club membership based primarily on course and club conditions. That, coupled with not too many bookings, and a relaxed 7-minute interval between flights. “The course should be unique and every hole challenging so the player never gets bored.” He also mentions that a club’s status and booking convenience is important, as is caddy service and course layout. Membership fees and the availability of a “non-nominated” card also matter. “This card is important to my company and me because golf is a big part of our work.”

As a member of Silport, Suzuki is very pleased in general, but adds, “Green speeds could be a bit faster on the east course, and probably the center.” He’d also like more varied menu options, though he admits what’s currently on offer is pretty amazing. Suzuki adds, “I also hope that Silport will offer a pin position chart of the day—something that gives players some idea. Of course, caddies know the position, but I like to think and play for myself and never ask the caddy.”