Hero Disc Golf in association with Innova Champion Discs, Keen Shoes and the Japanese Professional Disc Golf Association (JPDGA) are proud to announce the return of the Japan Open Disc Golf Championship to the PDGA tour. Dating back to 1985, this year’s event represents the 14th Japan Open. The 2012 Japan Open was cancelled due to the tragic aftermath of the 2011 Tsunami.

The Japan Open is one of the most prized and coveted experiences on the PDGA tour, by player and spectator alike. Tournament Director Kozo Shimbo #3600 and Innova President Dave Dunipace #987 are bringing new surprises to this year’s event by transforming the Robert Trent Jones designed ball golf course at the Nasu Highlands into two 18-hole disc golf courses. A maximum of 144 competitors have already registered, making it the largest in Japan Open history.

The events opened on June 1st with several days of practice available on the two courses for the competitors. On June 4th, the opening ceremonies will be held at the resort with competition beginning on June 5th and concluding on June 7th. Each competitor will play both courses and compete for ¥4,000,000 in prize money.

What makes the Japan Open even more interesting? It's a "150-class" event. The competitors must use discs that have a total mass no greater than 159 grams. Their discs are weighed in, one by one, and only those that meet the requirement can be used on the courses. Forcing players to compete with discs that likely aren't normally in their bags should make for some interesting throws. 

Tochigi, Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time. The first round begins on Thursday, June 5th at approximately 8:30AM local time, which is actually Wednesday evening at 7:30PM EDT here in the Eastern time zone of the United States. Follow the live scores on PDGALive.com all weekend and search Twitter for #JapanOpen to see updates, pictures, and videos from the lucky few that will be there competing or watching. 

The Japan Open is the fourth PDGA Major on the tour this year and it will be played at the same time as the fifth PDGA Major, the United States Amateur Disc Golf Championships in Milford, MI on the infamous Toboggan course. Stay tuned to PDGA.com for articles and updates for both major events. It's going to be a busy weekend, filled to the brim with amazing disc golf!

*Photo/Video Credits: @Schusterick (Instagram)