ANA Open Golf Tournament 2027, Kitahiroshima, Japan

• September 17, 2026
  Event date:
• September 20, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2027

ANA Open Golf Tournament 2027, Kitahiroshima, Japan is expected to return to Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, continuing one of Japan’s established professional golf tournaments. The competition is organized by All Nippon Airways and operated under the Japan Golf Tour Organization, bringing leading Japanese professionals and qualified international players together for a four-round tournament. The latest official edition featured a field of approximately 120 players and a total prize fund of around $670,000, making it an important stop on the Japanese professional golf calendar.

The tournament combines high-level competitive golf with an accessible spectator experience. Unlike many professional golf events where spectators primarily watch from grandstands, ANA Open allows visitors to follow players around the course, choose fixed viewing points or move between selected holes. The official spectator guide specifically highlights both styles as ways to experience the tournament.

Professional golf in Hokkaido

The event provides an opportunity to watch leading Japan Golf Tour professionals competing over the demanding Wattsu Course. The course’s combination of forests, water hazards, bunkers, long par-5 holes and contoured greens creates different strategic challenges throughout the tournament.

A traditional tournament setting

ANA Open has a long history dating back to the early 1970s. Its history includes championship battles involving some of Japan’s most recognizable professional golfers, while the tournament has continued to develop its relationship with Hokkaido and the Kitahiroshima area.

Spectator-friendly golf

Visitors can either follow a particular player around the course or stay in one location and watch multiple groups pass through. The second approach is particularly useful for visitors who want to compare how different professionals attack the same hole.

Food and entertainment

The gallery plaza provides places to rest between groups as well as local food and tournament-related activities. Recent editions have included Wattsu Ramen, Hokkaido ingredients and collaboration food associated with Hokkaido Ballpark F Village.

Match/event dates

September 2027 (Dates TBD)

The 2027 tournament dates have not yet been officially published. The event traditionally takes place in September and is structured as a four-day professional golf tournament, with practice and preparation taking place around the main competition period.

The latest official edition provides the clearest indication of the expected structure: two qualifying-round days followed by two final-round days. The exact 2027 calendar dates, daily starting times and gate-opening times should be confirmed through the official ANA Open website when released.

Visitors planning an international trip should wait for the official 2027 schedule before purchasing non-refundable flights or accommodation specifically for the tournament.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

ANA Open is played at Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido.

Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course

77 Wattsu, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido 061-1264, Japan

The Wattsu Course is a championship-style golf course surrounded by the natural landscape of Hokkaido. The course features 18 holes and is used as the main competitive venue for ANA Open. The latest official course information lists a layout stretching from shorter technical holes to substantial par-5s, with the 17th hole reaching 581 yards and the 18th measuring 409 yards.

Championship layout

The course combines four par-3 holes, ten par-4 holes and four par-5 holes. Several holes are particularly important for spectators because they can produce major changes in scoring.

Hole 5

The par-5 fifth is a potential attacking hole where professionals can attempt to reach the green in two shots. Water, bunkers and trees make the risk-reward decision particularly interesting.

Hole 17

The 17th is one of the tournament’s signature viewing locations. It is a long par-5 where powerful second shots can create eagle opportunities, making it an exciting place to watch the leading groups.

Hole 18

The final hole is particularly significant because it features a distinctive three-tiered green. Pin position can dramatically affect approach shots and putting, while the closing hole has historically produced important tournament moments.

Full fixture or event schedule

The final 2027 fixture schedule has not yet been announced, but the tournament is expected to follow the established professional-golf structure.

Qualifying rounds

The opening competitive rounds determine which players remain in contention for the weekend. Players compete in their assigned groups, with scores accumulated across the opening rounds.

Final rounds

The leading players continue into the final two rounds. As the field becomes more concentrated around the leaders, spectators can follow the developing championship battle and watch players attempt to close the gap.

Leaderboard action

The tournament leaderboard becomes increasingly important as the competition progresses. Visitors can use official score updates to identify the players near the top and decide which groups or holes to follow.

Final-hole drama

The final stretch is particularly important because the 18th hole has a distinctive three-level putting surface. The position of the pin and the approach angle can have a major effect on the final result.

Gallery activities

Away from the golf course, the gallery plaza can provide food, refreshments, promotional activities and opportunities for visitors to take a break from walking around the course.

Teams, athletes & participants

ANA Open is an individual professional golf tournament rather than a team competition. The 2027 player field has not yet been confirmed.

The latest official player information shows the type of professionals who can appear in the tournament, including established Japan Golf Tour players and recent champions. The published 2026 field information included players such as Kodai Kaneko, Tatsunori Shogenji, Taiga Semikawa, Kazuki Higa, Satoshi Kodaira, Shugo Imahira and Ryosuke Kinoshita.

Established Japanese professionals

The tournament regularly attracts experienced players with Japan Golf Tour victories and international competition experience. Their course-management skills can be particularly valuable on the Wattsu layout.

Recent tournament winners

Previous champions also form an important part of the event’s history. The most recent completed edition was won by Takumi Kanaya, while earlier champions included Akira Iwasaki, C. Prapaol and Hideki Tanihara.

International participation

ANA Open’s history also includes overseas professionals, meaning the event can provide an opportunity to see Japanese and international players competing in the same tournament environment.

2027 field

The final list of qualified players, invited players and tournament entrants should be checked through the Japan Golf Tour Organization and the official ANA Open website once qualification information is released.

Tournament format & competition structure

ANA Open follows a professional stroke-play format rather than a knockout tournament.

Four competitive rounds

The tournament is normally contested over four rounds of 18 holes. Players accumulate their scores throughout the competition, with the lowest overall score leading the championship.

Cut

After the opening portion of the tournament, the field is reduced according to the competition’s official cut rules. Players who remain above the qualifying threshold continue into the final rounds.

Final leaderboard

The championship is decided by the lowest aggregate score after the final round. If players are tied for first place under the applicable tournament rules, a playoff may be used to determine the champion.

Course management

The Wattsu Course rewards players who balance distance with accuracy. Wind, water, bunkers, tree-lined areas and demanding green positions can all influence scoring.

Important holes

The par-5 fifth, long par-5 17th and three-tiered 18th green provide some of the most interesting strategic viewing opportunities. The 16th is also a notable par-3 because changing wind conditions can significantly influence club selection.

Match/event times

Specific 2027 starting times have not been announced.

The tournament normally operates with early starts for professional groups so that the full field can complete its rounds during daylight hours. Morning groups are followed by later groups, with leading players generally positioned toward the later part of the day’s schedule.

Morning golf

Early groups provide a quieter viewing environment and can be useful for visitors who want to walk several holes before the course becomes busier.

Later groups

Later groups become increasingly important as the leaderboard develops, particularly during the final rounds when leading players are grouped according to their positions.

Final-round leaders

For spectators interested in the championship battle, the final groups provide the opportunity to watch players directly competing near the top of the leaderboard.

The official 2027 start sheet should be checked before visiting because professional tee times can change according to weather, withdrawals and tournament conditions.

Ticket types

2027 ticket information has not yet been announced. The latest official edition provides a useful reference for planning.

Qualifying-round admission

The latest edition offered free admission for the opening qualifying rounds. This makes the earlier part of the tournament particularly accessible for visitors who want to experience professional golf without purchasing a final-round ticket.

Final-round advance ticket

The latest edition’s advance ticket was approximately $33 after conversion from the published Japanese price.

Final-round same-day ticket

The latest edition’s same-day ticket was approximately $36 after conversion.

Under-18 admission

The latest official ticket information stated that visitors aged 18 and under could enter free of charge with appropriate age identification. This policy should be checked again when 2027 tickets are announced.

These are previous-edition reference prices only. The official 2027 prices may be different.

Ticket release phases

The 2027 ticket release schedule has not yet been published.

Based on the latest official edition, tickets can be released in stages rather than becoming available all at once.

Early ticket information

The organizer normally publishes the ticket structure and sales information through the official ANA Open website before the tournament.

Advance sales

Final-round advance tickets were available through several authorized ticketing services in the latest edition. These included online ticket platforms and major Japanese convenience-store ticketing networks.

General or same-day sales

The latest edition also offered same-day electronic tickets for the final rounds. Visitors should check whether the 2027 tournament retains the same arrangement.

Free qualifying rounds

The previous edition’s qualifying rounds were free, so visitors interested in watching emerging leaderboard battles may not need to wait for the paid final-round ticket release.

VIP & hospitality options

ANA Open is primarily a spectator golf tournament rather than an event built around traditional VIP seating.

Hospitality tent

The latest edition offered access to a hospitality tent or VIP lounge for qualifying-round spectators. The organizer stated that access could be purchased at the venue during the relevant days, with details provided on-site.

Premium viewing

Hospitality areas can provide a more comfortable place to take breaks from walking the course and may offer a different way to experience the tournament environment.

Sponsor hospitality

ANA Open has a substantial sponsor programme, and some hospitality opportunities may be connected with sponsors or tournament partners. Specific 2027 hospitality packages should be confirmed directly with the organizer.

VIP availability

No complete 2027 VIP package has been announced at this stage, so visitors should not assume that premium hospitality packages from previous editions will automatically return.

Stadium & event rules

Golf spectators need to follow strict etiquette because players must be able to concentrate during shots.

Remain quiet

Visitors should remain silent while players are preparing to hit and during the actual shot. Mobile phones should be placed on silent.

Follow marshals

Course marshals control spectator movement and may stop visitors from crossing paths or entering restricted areas. Their instructions should always be followed.

Watch ball flight

Golf balls can travel at high speed and may land away from the intended target. Spectators should remain alert, particularly around teeing areas and approach shots.

Do not interfere with play

Visitors should never enter restricted playing areas, touch golf equipment or approach players during competition unless specifically permitted by tournament staff.

Weather conditions

September in Hokkaido can still bring changing weather. Comfortable walking shoes, suitable outerwear and protection from rain or sun can make a substantial difference.

Photography

Photography and mobile-phone rules can vary by area and situation. Visitors should follow the current spectator guide and staff instructions, particularly around players and television production.

How to get there

Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course is located in Kitahiroshima, southeast of central Sapporo.

From New Chitose Airport

The latest official access information indicates that the course is approximately 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport by toll road, depending on traffic.

From Sapporo

Visitors staying in central Sapporo can travel toward Kitahiroshima by road. Because tournament traffic and parking arrangements can change, visitors should check the official access information before departure.

By car

Driving can be convenient because the venue is outside the dense urban centre, but visitors should use only the designated gallery parking areas and follow tournament traffic directions.

From Kitahiroshima

Kitahiroshima is the closest city to the tournament venue and is a useful base for visitors who want to stay nearer to the course.

Public transport & parking

The tournament’s remote golf-course setting means transportation planning is important.

Gallery parking

The latest official access plan provided designated gallery parking areas rather than allowing spectators to park freely around the golf course. Some parking areas were connected with free shuttle buses to the venue.

Parking capacity

Parking spaces are limited, and the organizer may redirect visitors to another designated parking area when a lot becomes full.

Smart interchange

The official access information specifically advises drivers using Wattsu Smart Interchange to use ETC. Visitors using rental cars should confirm that the vehicle is equipped appropriately.

Public transport

Because the golf course is located outside central Sapporo, visitors should check the official tournament access information for any temporary shuttle or public-transport arrangements introduced for 2027.

Accommodation areas

Kitahiroshima

Kitahiroshima is the most logical base for visitors prioritizing short access to the golf course. It also works well for visitors combining the tournament with nearby Hokkaido attractions.

Sapporo

Central Sapporo offers a much wider choice of hotels, restaurants, shopping and evening entertainment. Visitors can use Sapporo as their main base and travel to the tournament during the day.

New Chitose Airport area

Airport-area accommodation can be practical for visitors with early or late international flights. It also provides relatively convenient road access toward Kitahiroshima.

Chitose

Chitose offers another useful base between the airport and the golf-course area, particularly for visitors renting a car.

Minami-Sorachi and southern Hokkaido

Visitors planning a longer Hokkaido trip can combine ANA Open with destinations outside the immediate Sapporo area, although travel time to the course should be considered carefully.

Food & drink at the venue

The tournament’s gallery plaza provides food and refreshments so visitors can spend most of the day at the venue without leaving the course.

Wattsu Ramen

One of the signature food options highlighted by the tournament is Wattsu Ramen, featuring a spicy matured miso broth with sesame flavour and a rich, warming taste.

Hokkaido specialties

Recent editions have featured dishes using Hokkaido ingredients, allowing visitors to combine professional golf with regional food experiences.

F Village collaboration

The gallery food programme has also included popular products associated with Hokkaido Ballpark F Village, including Schausessen hot dogs.

Spectator breaks

Because following golf can involve considerable walking, the gallery plaza is useful for taking a break, eating lunch and checking tournament information before returning to the course.

Accessibility

Accessibility arrangements for the 2027 tournament have not yet been fully announced.

The venue is an outdoor golf-course environment, so accessibility can differ considerably from a conventional stadium or arena. Grass, slopes, paths and changing weather conditions can affect movement around the course.

Accessible planning

Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the tournament organizers before attending to confirm accessible entrances, transportation, parking arrangements and suitable viewing areas.

Spectator movement

Following players around the course involves walking significant distances. Visitors who prefer to minimize walking may find fixed viewing locations around selected holes more practical.

Rest areas

Gallery-plaza facilities can provide useful opportunities to rest between periods of watching golf.

Weather preparation

Suitable footwear and weather protection are particularly important for visitors who need stable walking conditions.

Best matches/events to attend

ANA Open does not have individual matches in the traditional team-sports sense. Instead, the best viewing opportunities depend on the tournament round and the players you want to follow.

Final-round leader groups

The leading groups during the final round provide the strongest championship atmosphere because the outcome is being decided.

Hole 17

The 17th is one of the best places to see aggressive professional golf. Its long par-5 layout creates opportunities for powerful second shots and potential eagle attempts.

Hole 18

The closing hole is ideal for spectators who want to see the final stages of the tournament. Its three-tiered green can make approach shots and putting particularly dramatic.

Hole 5

The fifth provides another strong viewing location because players can attempt to attack the par-5 in two shots, while water and bunkers add risk to aggressive strategies.

Hole 16

The 16th is a challenging par-3 where wind can influence club selection significantly. It also has a hole-in-one prize associated with the tournament.

Opening rounds

The opening rounds can be useful for visitors who want to see a wider variety of players rather than concentrating only on the leaders.

Previous year’s highlights

The most recent completed ANA Open produced one of the tournament’s closely contested finishes. Takumi Kanaya won after a playoff against Ryo Ishikawa, securing his first ANA Open championship. The tournament finished with Kanaya at 17 under par, with Ishikawa finishing second.

Dramatic final-round battle

The final round developed into a tightly contested leaderboard. Several players remained in contention as the closing holes approached, eventually producing a playoff between Kanaya and Ishikawa.

Playoff finish

The championship was decided during the playoff, with Kanaya converting the crucial putt while Ishikawa missed his attempt. This gave Kanaya his first ANA Open title.

Strong tournament history

The event has produced many memorable champions. Earlier editions included victories by Akira Iwasaki, Hideki Tanihara, Tomoharu Ohtsuki and other notable professionals. The tournament’s historical archive also records legendary performances by players including Jumbo Ozaki.

Modern scoring

Recent editions have demonstrated how aggressively the Wattsu Course can be played. Iwasaki won the 50th edition with a 20-under-par total, matching the tournament record.

Official tickets

The official ANA Open website should be the primary source for 2027 ticket announcements, sales phases, venue access information and spectator rules.

https://www.ana.co.jp/anaopen/

The latest official edition offered free admission for qualifying rounds and paid tickets for the final rounds, with advance and same-day options. These previous-edition prices are used here only as a reference because 2027 pricing has not yet been announced.

The official website also publishes player information, course guides, access details, spectator guidance, event activities and tournament updates. Visitors should check the site again before travelling because the 2027 player field, ticket release phases, transportation arrangements and daily start times can change.

Video

Location

FAQ