The 2008 UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship returns to Shishido Hills Country Club in July, this time with not only the cream of the country’s golfers but also a new green theme for golf fans.

Considered the ‘players championship’ of Japanese men’s golf, this year’s event will take place from July 3-6 amongst the forests of Ibaraki Prefecture, about an hour northeast of Tokyo. In 2007, it was the flamboyant king of Japanese men’s golf, Shingo Katayama, who clinched the victory.

However, this year’s tournament will offer more than just the chance to follow in Katayama’s footsteps as the winner of one of Japan’s most sought-after titles. In addition, all participants, including UBS, will be a part of ‘The First Step Project’, which aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the tournament.

A combination of initiatives has been implemented by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation, including a campaign to reduce, separate and recycle waste produced by the event and to offer local products at the public food concessions, reducing the ‘food miles’ accrued by the tournament.

UBS is putting its weight behind The First Step and will supply all spectators with a reusable commemorative mug, which will be used for purchasing drinks on-site and will allow for a significant reduction in the use of cans and bottles.

In addition, the bank will provide shuttle services for staff attending the event to reduce the number of private cars travelling to the tournament. A similar campaign will be implemented for the public.

While the green initiative promises to continue to highlight the tournament’s position as one of the leading events in Japanese men’s golf, it will also be something special inside the ropes. Indeed, the competition will be fiercer than ever before with the participation of young superstar Ryo Ishikawa.

The slightly-built schoolboy, known as the ‘Bashful Prince’ by his adoring fans, stunned international golf last May when he claimed the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup as 15-year-old amateur. The youngest player ever to win a professional tournament in Japan, he turned pro early this year and will spark unprecedented interest in greater Tokyo if he joins the field at Shishido Hills.

That interest, combined with 2007’s significantly increased spectator numbers and television ratings, ensures the UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship boasts an outstanding platform for even greater success this year.