Golf · Japan Challenge Tour · 2026

Date & time

1 Apr 2026, 00:30

Round

1

Location

Tokushima, Japan

The 2026 ACN Tour (formerly ABEMA Tour) season officially kicks off with the Novil Cup at the challenging J Classic Golf Club in Tokushima. The primary challenge for the 152-man field is the course's strategic design, which features narrow corridors and demanding approach angles that reward accuracy over pure distance. The objective for the players is to establish an early lead in the quest for the ¥2,700,000 winner’s check and critical season-opening points in this ¥15,000,000 event. Strategically, the opening round is a test of course management and precision. The goal for the field is to navigate the elevation changes and the often-shifting winds of the Tokushima region to avoid the penalizing rough and well-placed bunkers. The tactical focus for the contenders is to capitalize on the scoring opportunities at the par-5s to set a strong pace for the three-day tournament. With a top-60 cut looming after the second round, the ultimate goal for the starters is to post a steady opening score and position themselves within the top 20 to maintain momentum for the weekend.