elite grips is proud to host the 2026 ELITEGRIPS CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT, taking place October 7–9 at Golden Valley Golf Club in Hyogo, Japan.
Part of the JGTO ACN Tour, the three-day professional tournament will feature players competing for ¥15 million in total prize money, with ¥2.7 million awarded to the winner.
For elite grips, the tournament is an opportunity to support professional golf in Japan while showcasing the brand on a competitive stage.
A Tournament With Global Ambitions
Beginning in 2026, the event was officially renamed from the elite grips Challenge to the ELITEGRIPS CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT.
The updated name reflects a broader effort to increase the tournament’s international visibility and share elite grips with golfers around the world.
Last year’s champion, Genki Okada, won the 2025 event at Golden Valley Golf Club and later earned playing rights on the regular Japan Golf Tour.
Watch Live
All three rounds will be streamed live on YouTube.
Round 1 — October 7
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. JST
Watch Round 1
Round 2 — October 8
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. JST
Watch Round 2
Final Round — October 9
9:00 a.m. JST through the conclusion of the awards ceremony
Watch the Final Round
For U.S. viewers, coverage begins at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET the previous evening.
We’re proud to once again support the next generation of professional golf and look forward to another exciting week of competition in Japan.
About elite grips
elite grips is recognized as a premier Japanese golf grip manufacturer. This reputation stems from their dedication to advancing both scientific innovation and expert craftsmanship.
elite grips consistently exceed challenges through a commitment to excellence, resulting in effective solutions and ongoing progress.
The company has thrived for more than ten years in Japan, crediting its growth to their innovative golf grips created by a Japanese design team in collaboration with professional golfers.
They host the leading Japan Golf Tour “elite grips Challenge,” an event that builds consumer awareness and earns the trust of top golfers nationwide.
Full Leaderboard elite grips challenge 2025 - 日本ゴルフツアー機構 - The Official Site of JAPAN GOLF TOUR Elite Grips tour and broadcasting trucks travel weekly to Japan Golf Tour events, accounting for 30% of total tour grip usage.
Some Elite Grips ambassadors include Scott Vincent and Kiearn Vincent from the PGA Tour, Tain Lee on the PGA Korn Ferry Tour, Yuna Nishimura, Jeena Thitikul, Pajaree Anannarukarn, Arpichaya Yubol, PK Kongraphan representing the LPGA Tour, and Jinichiro Kozuma appearing on the LIV Tour.
elite grips has expanded into North America with offices in Southern California.
For more information, please visit www.elitegripsgolf.com or each out to info@elitegripsgolf.com.