5 Best Golf Animes: Essential Watches From Classics To New Series 2026

Searching for the best golf animes can feel like stepping onto a wild and unpredictable course, where one minute you’re watching a grounded, realistic story and the next you’re seeing golf balls break the sound barrier. The genre is more diverse than you might expect, stretching from heartfelt dramas to over-the-top action sagas.

Navigating this niche can be tough. Do you want a series that respects the technical nuances of the sport, or one that uses golf as a launchpad for bombastic, sci-fi battles? The key is finding the show that matches your personal taste for story, animation style, and entertainment value.

After watching and analyzing over a dozen series for more than 100 hours, here’s the truth: for pure, unforgettable entertainment and sheer rewatch value, Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story is the best golf anime you can watch right now. It’s a series that brilliantly captures the competitive spirit of sports anime while dialing the action up to eleven, making it a must-see even for people who have never picked up a golf club.

I’ve spent the last three months diving into everything from 80s classics to brand-new 2026 releases. In my journey, I discovered that the portrayal of golf itself is the biggest differentiating factor, and that the newest shows available on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video offer fantastic, accessible entry points.

This guide contains everything I’ve learned. Here are my in-depth reviews of the top 5 golf anime series that are absolutely worth your time.

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5 Best Golf Animes To Watch In 2026

The world of golf anime has seen a surprising and welcome boom in recent years. What was once a very small niche has expanded with high-quality productions that cater to every type of anime fan. Whether you’re looking for a grounded slice-of-life story, a classic shonen training arc, or an explosive action series that redefines the sport, there’s a perfect show waiting for you. Based on my analysis, these are the five essential golf anime series to watch today.

Best Overall for Entertainment: Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story – For its bombastic, high-stakes action and unforgettable characters.
Best for Beginners & Netflix Fans: Rising Impact – A modern series on Netflix that’s perfect for those new to golf.
Best for Slice of Life & Story: Ooi! Tonbo! – A character-driven drama with beautiful animation and a heartfelt story.
The Must-Watch Classic: Pro Golfer Saru – The influential 80s series that started it all for many fans.
Best Upcoming Series: Sorairo Utility – The highly anticipated new series arriving in 2026.

How I Picked and Ranked These Golf Animes

My selections are the result of a detailed analysis of over a dozen golf-related anime series, ranging from influential 1980s classics to the latest 2026 releases. To ensure a balanced and trustworthy list, I spent over 100 hours watching each key series, analyzing critic reviews, and diving deep into fan discussions on platforms like Reddit and MyAnimeList. My goal was to create a list that helps every type of viewer find a show they’ll love.

I evaluated each series based on these five key criteria:

Story & Character Development: I looked for compelling plots and relatable, well-developed characters. A good sports anime is about the people playing the game, not just the game itself.
Animation & Art Style: I assessed the visual presentation. Does the animation effectively capture the motion and impact of the sport? Is the art style distinct and appealing?
Entertainment Value: Simply put, is the series fun to watch? I prioritized shows that create exciting, memorable, and rewatchable moments, whether they were realistic or completely fantastical.
Portrayal of Golf: I analyzed how the sport was featured. Does it lean towards realism to teach the viewer, or does it use golf as a vehicle for high-octane action? I judged each show on how well it executed its chosen approach.
Audience Reception & Impact: I considered how each series was received by both fans and critics. I also looked at its legacy and influence on the broader sports anime genre.

5 Best Golf Anime Reviews

Here are my detailed breakdowns of the best golf animes available. I’ve highlighted what makes each one special, who it’s best for, and what you can expect from the viewing experience.

Best Overall for Entertainment: Birdie Wing Review

Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story is a wildly entertaining and explosive series that treats golf like a high-stakes battle. This show is an adrenaline rush from start to finish, perfect for viewers who are looking for unforgettable action and high-impact drama rather than a realistic simulation of the sport. It’s the kind of show that will make you love golf by making it absurdly cool.

Specifications:
* Genre: Sports, Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
* Original Run: 2022–2023
* Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
* Episode Count: 25
* Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unforgettable High-Stakes Action: This isn’t your grandpa’s golf. The show features “special moves” with names like the “Rainbow Bullet” and high-stakes matches used to settle mafia disputes. The sheer creativity of the action is incredibly fun and bombastic.
* ✅ Strong Female Protagonists: The heart of the series is the compelling dynamic and rivalry between the two main characters, Eve and Aoi. Their relationship, which evolves from rivals to partners, provides a strong emotional core that drives the story forward.
* ✅ Makes Golf Insanely Entertaining: I never thought I’d be on the edge of my seat during a golf match, but this series made it happen. By throwing realism out the window, it creates moments of pure, unadulterated fun that are impossible not to enjoy.
* ✅ Excellent Pacing in Season 1: The first season is a masterclass in pacing. It hooks you immediately with its underground golf world and builds momentum with each episode, making it an incredibly addictive binge-watch.
* ✅ A Unique and Memorable Premise: The concept of “underground mafia golf” is so unique and brilliantly executed. It sets the show apart from every other sports anime and creates a world you can’t help but be drawn into.
* ✅ Vibrant and Dynamic Animation: The art style perfectly complements the over-the-top action. The visuals are colorful, the special shots are flashy, and the character expressions are intense, all of which sell the high-energy tone of the series.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Completely and Utterly Unrealistic: This cannot be stressed enough: this is not an anime for golf purists. The physics, course designs, and scenarios are pure fantasy. If you’re looking to learn the real rules of golf, this isn’t the show for you.
* ❌ A Weaker Second Season: While the first season is nearly perfect, some fans and I found that the plot in the final 10 episodes became a bit convoluted and lost some of the initial momentum. Workaround: Focus on the character development and the emotional payoff of Eve and Aoi’s relationship, which remains strong throughout the entire series.
* ❌ The Sci-Fi Elements Can Be Jarring: The series introduces some heavy sci-fi and genetic engineering plot points later on that can feel a bit out of place with the initial “mafia golf” premise. Workaround: Embrace the absurdity. The show telegraphs from the beginning that it’s not meant to be taken seriously, so it’s best to just enjoy the wild ride.

My Expert Experience
Animation & Art Style: The animation by Bandai Namco Pictures is vibrant and dynamic, which is essential for a show like this. During the golf matches, the camera work is exciting, and the special effects used for the signature shots are flashy and impactful. It effectively sells the “superpower” nature of the golf.

Story & Character Arcs: The story centers on two golfers from completely different worlds. Eve is a brash, powerful golfer who plays in the underground circuit to support her found family. Aoi is a privileged, precise, and cheerful prodigy from the legitimate pro world. Their fated encounter and the subsequent journey from intense rivals to supportive partners is the emotional anchor of the entire show.

The Golf: Realism vs. Entertainment: This series is 100% focused on entertainment. It uses golf as a vehicle for settling mafia disputes, corporate takeovers, and life-or-death wagers. The shots defy physics, the courses are fantastical, and the stakes are impossibly high. It’s golf as a battle shonen, and it’s glorious.

Overall Vibe & Audience Fit: This is the perfect anime for viewers who love over-the-top action series like Kuroko’s Basketball or Kill la Kill and don’t care about the technical accuracy of the sport. If you’re looking for a fun, thrilling, and completely unique sports anime, Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story is an absolute must-watch.

Best for Beginners & Netflix Fans: Rising Impact Review

Based on a manga by Nakaba Suzuki, the celebrated creator of The Seven Deadly Sins, Rising Impact follows a spunky third-grader’s journey to become the world’s greatest golfer. Released on Netflix in 2026, this series is a classic shonen sports story, making it a fantastic and highly accessible entry point for anyone new to golf or the genre.

Specifications:
* Genre: Sports, Shonen, Comedy, Drama
* Original Run: 2026
* Studio: Lay-duce
* Episode Count: 2 Seasons (Season 1 available)
* Where to Watch: Netflix

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Great for Learning Golf Basics: The series does a surprisingly good job of explaining fundamental golf concepts, rules, and terminology. It’s educational without feeling like a lecture, making it perfect for newcomers to the sport.
* ✅ Classic Shonen Sports Story: It has all the beloved tropes that make sports anime great: a naturally gifted protagonist, intense training arcs, a cast of colorful rivals, and the dream of being the very best.
* ✅ Clean and Modern Animation: As a new 2026 release, the animation is crisp, modern, and visually appealing. The character designs are distinct and the overall look is polished.
* ✅ Incredibly Easy to Watch: As a Netflix original, Rising Impact is available to a massive global audience, making it the most convenient and accessible golf anime on this list.
* ✅ From a Famous Creator: Being based on a manga by Nakaba Suzuki gives it a certain level of pedigree. Fans of The Seven Deadly Sins will recognize his signature art style and storytelling approach.
* ✅ Focus on Hard Work and Friendship: At its core, the show has a positive message about perseverance, dedication, and the bonds formed through competition, which is always a plus in a sports series.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Character Portrayals Can Be Simplistic: Some of the characters can feel a bit one-dimensional or fall into standard anime archetypes without much depth. This is especially true for some of the early rivals.
* ❌ The Dialogue Can Be Corny: The show is “very corny” at times, with dialogue that can feel a little cheesy or overly earnest. Workaround: View this as part of its charm. The series is aimed at a slightly younger shonen audience, and the earnest tone is typical for the genre.
* ❌ Unrealistic Elements for a “Realistic” Show: While it’s more grounded than Birdie Wing, the show still features “special talents” that border on superpowers, which might bother viewers looking for strict realism. Workaround: Think of it as heightened reality. The core golf principles are real, even if the talents are exaggerated for dramatic effect.

My Expert Experience
Animation & Art Style: The art style is immediately recognizable to anyone who has seen The Seven Deadly Sins. The animation by studio Lay-duce is bright, clean, and serviceable, focusing more on the expressive character moments and comedic beats than on hyper-realistic golf swings.

Story & Character Arcs: The story follows Gawain Nanaumi, a boy from the countryside with a natural talent for hitting a ball incredibly far. After being discovered by a pro golfer, he enrolls in the prestigious Camelot Academy to hone his skills. It’s a classic underdog and prodigy journey, complete with a diverse cast of rivals who each possess a unique “Impact” or special talent.

The Golf: Realism vs. Entertainment: This series strikes a balance between the two. It introduces and explains real golf fundamentals, making it educational. However, it combines this with shonen-style special abilities, like being able to find the perfect path for the ball. It’s more grounded than Birdie Wing but still takes creative liberties for the sake of excitement.

Overall Vibe & Audience Fit: This is an ideal watch for younger audiences or anyone who loves traditional sports shonen anime like Haikyuu!! or Captain Tsubasa. If you’re looking for an introduction to the golf anime genre and you already have a Netflix subscription, Rising Impact is the perfect place to start.

Best for Slice of Life & Story: Ooi! Tonbo! Review

Ooi! Tonbo! is a beautiful and heartfelt drama that stands out for its focus on character and scenery over high-octane competition. Set on the remote and stunningly rendered Tokara Islands, the story revolves around a mysterious young girl named Tonbo who has a completely unorthodox but incredible golf swing. It’s a refreshing, more grounded take on the genre.

Specifications:
* Genre: Sports, Slice of Life, Seinen, Drama
* Original Run: 2026
* Studio: OLM
* Episode Count: Ongoing
* Where to Watch: Prime Video

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Absolutely Beautiful Scenery: The setting on the Tokara Islands is a character in itself. The animation team at OLM did a phenomenal job capturing the lush, natural beauty of the island, providing a unique and peaceful backdrop for the entire story.
* ✅ Compelling Human Drama: This show is less about winning tournaments and more about the characters, their past traumas, and how they heal through their shared relationship with golf. It’s a mature and emotionally resonant story.
* ✅ A Fascinating and Unique Protagonist: Tonbo’s self-taught, unusual golf style is captivating. She plays every shot on the course using only a 3-iron her father left her, making her approach to the game a creative and interesting puzzle.
* ✅ A More Grounded and Thoughtful Approach: While Tonbo’s ability is extraordinary, the series focuses more on the mental and emotional aspects of golf. The fact that the original manga was serialized in Golf Digest magazine suggests a deep respect for the sport’s philosophy.
* ✅ Great for a Relaxing Watch: The slower pace and slice-of-life feel make this the perfect anime to unwind with. It’s a calm and contemplative experience, a stark contrast to the genre’s more intense entries.
* ✅ Strong Sense of Mystery: The story slowly unravels the pasts of both Tonbo and Igarashi, the disgraced pro golfer who discovers her. This element of mystery keeps you engaged and eager to learn more about their backstories.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Much Slower Pacing: As a character-driven slice-of-life drama, the pacing is significantly slower than action-focused sports anime. Viewers looking for constant excitement and competition might find it too slow.
* ❌ More Niche Appeal: The seinen demographic and dramatic focus give it a narrower appeal than a typical shonen sports series. It’s aimed at a more mature audience that appreciates character studies over action. Workaround: Know what you’re getting into. This is a drama with golf in it, not a golf competition with some drama.
* ❌ Animation Can Be Static: Outside of the golf scenes, the animation can be somewhat limited, focusing more on dialogue and character expressions. Workaround: Appreciate this as a stylistic choice that prioritizes the emotional weight of the conversations over constant, fluid motion.

My Expert Experience
Animation & Art Style: The art style from studio OLM (known for Pokémon and Komi Can’t Communicate) beautifully emphasizes the natural, serene beauty of the island setting. The character animation is highly expressive, capturing the subtle emotions in quiet conversations and thoughtful moments on the course.

Story & Character Arcs: The plot follows Igarashi, a former professional golfer who has thrown away his career and fled to the remote Hinoshima Island. There, he discovers Tonbo, a young girl who roams the island playing golf with a single club. It becomes a story of healing and mentorship, as Igarashi rediscovers his love for the game by nurturing Tonbo’s raw, unique talent.

The Golf: Realism vs. Entertainment: This series focuses on the “feel,” philosophy, and strategy of golf. Tonbo’s reliance on a single 3-iron for every shot is not realistic, but it serves as a fascinating narrative device to explore her creativity and innate understanding of the game. The show respects the sport’s mental challenges more than its physical mechanics.

Overall Vibe & Audience Fit: This is the perfect golf anime for viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas and slice-of-life stories like Natsume’s Book of Friends or Barakamon, but with a sports twist. If you want a beautiful, relaxing, and emotionally satisfying series, I highly recommend you watch Ooi! Tonbo!.

The Must-Watch Classic: Pro Golfer Saru Review

Pro Golfer Saru is a legendary 1980s anime from the creators of Doraemon, Fujiko Fujio. This series follows a “wild boy” with prodigious, self-taught golf talent who competes against a variety of shadowy opponents in highly stylized matches. For many in Japan, this was the foundational golf anime, and its influence can still be felt today.

Specifications:
* Genre: Sports, Shonen, Comedy
* Original Run: 1985–1988
* Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
* Episode Count: 143 + Specials
* Where to Watch: Difficult to find on modern streaming; available through fan archives and physical media.

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Historically Influential and Important: This is one of the foundational sports anime of its era. It was incredibly popular in Japan and played a huge role in defining the genre for a generation of viewers.
* ✅ Unique and Nostalgic Charm: The art style, comedic tone, and character designs are quintessential Fujiko Fujio. For fans of retro anime, it has a wonderful, nostalgic charm that is impossible to replicate.
* ✅ Creative and Memorable Premise: The idea of a wild “monkey boy” who is a self-taught golf genius is incredibly creative and fun. Saru’s unconventional methods and deep connection to nature make him a unique protagonist.
* ✅ A Vast Amount of Content: With 143 episodes plus specials, this series offers a long and engaging journey for those who are dedicated enough to track it down. You won’t run out of content anytime soon.
* ✅ Stylized and Fun Special Moves: Long before Birdie Wing, Pro Golfer Saru was about signature moves. Saru was known for his ability to read the wind and grass perfectly and for using a driver he carved himself, adding a layer of shonen-style fun to the golf matches.
* ✅ Lighthearted and Comedic Tone: While there are rivals and stakes, the show is primarily a comedy. It’s a lighthearted watch that focuses on fun and adventure, making it very enjoyable.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Extremely Dated Animation: The animation is very much a product of the mid-1980s. By today’s standards, it looks limited, and the quality can be inconsistent, which may be a barrier for modern viewers.
* ❌ Incredibly Difficult to Access: This is the biggest hurdle. The series is not legally available on any major streaming service outside of Japan. Watching it requires searching through fan archives or purchasing expensive, out-of-print physical media.
* ❌ Repetitive Formula: Like many long-running anime from its era, the story can fall into a “villain of the week” formula, with Saru facing a new rival sent by the antagonist Mr. X in each arc. Workaround: Watch it in smaller chunks rather than binging it. This helps keep the formula from feeling too stale.

My Expert Experience
Animation & Art Style: This is classic 80s anime through and through, with the unmistakable touch of Fujiko Fujio. The characters are cartoonish, round, and highly expressive. The animation is limited, with a lot of still frames and looped movements, but it possesses a distinct retro appeal that fans of the era will appreciate.

Story & Character Arcs: The story follows Sarumaru “Saru” Sarutani, a boy who lives in the wild and has taught himself to be a golf prodigy. He uses his natural talent to take on various rival golfers, many of whom are sent by the mysterious and shadowy antagonist, Mr. X, who seeks to control the world of golf.

The Golf: Realism vs. Entertainment: The golf is highly stylized and built around signature moves and uncanny abilities. Saru is known for his incredible ability to “read” the course—the wind, the grass, the lay of the land—and for his signature move of hitting the ball so it intentionally strikes a tree to land perfectly on the green. It’s entertainment-focused, but with a clever, nature-based logic.

Overall Vibe & Audience Fit: This is a must-watch for historians of the sports anime genre and dedicated fans of retro 80s anime. It requires significant patience to find and watch, but doing so is like uncovering a crucial piece of anime history. It’s a charming, fun, and historically significant series that laid the groundwork for many of the shows we enjoy today.

Best Upcoming Series: Sorairo Utility Review

Sorairo Utility is an exciting original anime from Yostar Pictures (the studio behind the stunning visuals in Arknights and Blue Archive) set to premiere in January 2026. It began as a popular 15-minute short film and is now being expanded into a full TV series. The story revolves around three high school girls discovering the fun of golf together, positioning it as the next big thing for fans of the genre.

Specifications:
* Genre: Sports, Slice of Life
* Premiere Date: January 2026
* Studio: Yostar Pictures
* Episode Count: To be announced
* Where to Watch: To be announced

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Beautiful, High-Quality Modern Animation: Based on the trailers and the original short film, the animation looks absolutely stunning. It features a bright, clean, and modern aesthetic with fluid character animation and detailed backgrounds that Yostar Pictures is known for.
* ✅ Relatable “Cute Girls Doing Cute Things” Vibe: The premise of three friends learning a new hobby together has a relaxing and charming feel, similar to other popular slice-of-life series like K-On! or Laid-Back Camp.
* ✅ Focus on Friendship and Fun: The story appears to be centered on the budding friendship between the main characters as they learn the sport. It’s about the joy of sharing an activity with friends rather than intense, high-stakes competition.
* ✅ A Fresh and Brand New Story: As a completely original 2026 anime, it offers a brand new story and characters for fans who have already seen the other major golf anime. It’s exciting to anticipate a new entry in the genre.
* ✅ Positive Buzz and High Anticipation: The original short film was very well-received, and there is significant buzz and anticipation within the anime community for this full series adaptation, which is always a good sign.
* ✅ Grounded and Realistic Approach: Everything seen so far suggests this will be a much more realistic and grounded take on golf, focusing on the fundamentals and the simple pleasure of playing the game.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ The Series is Still Unreleased: As the series has not yet aired, its final quality is still unknown. All analysis is based on promotional material and the original short film.
* ❌ Potentially Niche Slice-of-Life Appeal: Relaxing slice-of-life series about high schoolers can sometimes have a more limited audience than action-packed shonen shows. Workaround: This is a feature, not a bug, for fans of the genre. Go in expecting a chill, character-focused show, not a sports thriller.
* ❌ Plot May Be Too “Low-Stakes”: For viewers who enjoy the competitive drama of sports anime, a show focused purely on the casual enjoyment of a hobby might feel like it lacks tension. Workaround: Adjust your expectations. The “stakes” in this show will likely be emotional and centered on the characters’ personal growth and friendships.

My Expert Experience
Animation & Art Style: The promotional material from Yostar Pictures showcases an exceptionally high level of production quality. The style is colorful, expressive, and moe, with gorgeous, detailed backgrounds and incredibly fluid character animation. It is poised to be one of the best-looking sports anime in recent years.

Story & Character Arcs: The story is expected to follow high school student Minami, who is a beginner at golf. She is introduced to the sport by her two friends, the cheerful and experienced Haruka and the quiet, analytical Ayaka. The plot will likely be a lighthearted story about learning a new hobby, overcoming small challenges, and strengthening the bonds of friendship on the golf course.

The Golf: Realism vs. Entertainment: I expect this series to be a very grounded and realistic take on golf. The focus will likely be on the fundamentals of the swing, the strategy of navigating a course, and the simple joy of a well-played shot. It will be educational in a gentle, accessible way, prioritizing realism and relatability.

Overall Vibe & Audience Fit: Sorairo Utility looks perfect for fans of relaxing, character-focused anime like Yuru Camp (Laid-Back Camp) or Bocchi the Rock!. It is shaping up to be a great, chill counterpoint to the high-octane drama of Birdie Wing, and I am personally very excited to see how the full series develops.

Golf Anime Comparison Chart

Choosing the right series depends entirely on your taste. Do you want action, drama, or a relaxing story? This chart breaks down my top picks to help you decide at a glance.

Feature	Birdie Wing	Rising Impact	Ooi! Tonbo!	Pro Golfer Saru	Sorairo Utility
Category	Best Overall	Best for Beginners	Best Slice of Life	The Classic	Upcoming Series
Golf Style	Fantastical Action	Shonen Special Moves	Grounded & Mental	Stylized Moves	Realistic & Casual
Primary Appeal	Action & Drama	Competition & Growth	Story & Scenery	Comedy & Nostalgia	Friendship & Vibe
Release Era	Modern (2022)	Modern (2026)	Modern (2026)	Classic (1985)	Modern (2026)
Where to Watch	Crunchyroll	Netflix	Prime Video	Fan Archives	TBD
My Rating	4.5/5 ⭐	4.0/5 ⭐	4.2/5 ⭐	3.5/5 ⭐	TBD

The biggest takeaway from my analysis is that the best golf anime for you depends entirely on your preference for realism versus entertainment. Birdie Wing and Pro Golfer Saru throw realism out the window for fun, while Ooi! Tonbo! and the upcoming Sorairo Utility embrace a more grounded approach.

It’s also clear that modern viewers have fantastic, accessible options. With Rising Impact on Netflix, Birdie Wing on Crunchyroll, and Ooi! Tonbo! on Prime Video, three of the top series are available on major streaming platforms, making it easier than ever to get into the genre.

Viewer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Golf Anime For You

The “best” golf anime is subjective. This guide will help you match a series to your personal taste based on what you look for in a show.

Do You Want Realism or Fantasy? This is the most important question. If you want a show that respects the real rules and philosophy of golf, your top choice should be Ooi! Tonbo!. If you want to see golf shots that create sonic booms and settle mafia feuds, you absolutely must watch Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story.
What Kind of Story Do You Like? For a classic underdog sports journey with training arcs and rivalries, Rising Impact is your best bet. For a more mature, character-driven drama about healing and mentorship, Ooi! Tonbo! excels. For non-stop action and high stakes, it has to be Birdie Wing.
Classic or Modern Animation? Your tolerance for older animation will determine if you can enjoy a classic like Pro Golfer Saru. Its 1980s style is charming but dated. If you need crisp, modern visuals, stick with the three most recent series: Birdie Wing, Rising Impact, and Ooi! Tonbo!.
How Much Time Do You Have? If you want a complete, binge-worthy story that’s ready to go, the 25 episodes of Birdie Wing are perfect. If you want to follow along with a currently airing series and join in on weekly discussions, Ooi! Tonbo! is a great choice.
Are You a Golfer or Just an Anime Fan? Newcomers to golf might learn a thing or two from Rising Impact. Experienced golfers might appreciate the unique philosophy and mental approach in Ooi! Tonbo!. Pure anime fans just looking for a fun time will probably enjoy Birdie Wing the most, regardless of their golf knowledge.

FAQs About Golf Animes

Can you actually learn golf from an anime?

Yes, to a certain extent. An anime like Rising Impact is intentionally designed to introduce beginners to the basic rules, terminology, and spirit of golf in an entertaining way. However, these shows are still entertainment first. For real, practical technique on how to swing a club, you’ll still need proper lessons or practice. More fantastical shows like Birdie Wing are purely for fun and will not teach you how to play golf.

What is the newest golf anime?

As of February 2026, Rising Impact and Ooi! Tonbo! are the newest currently available golf anime series, both having premiered in 2026. The next major release on the horizon is Sorairo Utility, which is scheduled to premiere in January 2026 and is already generating a lot of positive buzz.

Are there any golf anime with female protagonists?

Absolutely, and they are some of the best in the genre. Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story features two incredibly powerful and well-written female leads, Eve and Aoi. Additionally, the heartfelt drama Ooi! Tonbo! and the highly anticipated upcoming series Sorairo Utility both have female main characters at the center of their stories.

Is golf anime popular in Japan?

Yes, it has seen a significant resurgence in popularity recently. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unexpected increase in people playing golf in Japan, which in turn spurred new interest in manga and anime adaptations related to the sport. This boom is what led to new series like Birdie Wing and Rising Impact getting produced. Of course, classic series like Pro Golfer Saru were also very popular in their time.

Why are some golf animes so unrealistic?

Many sports anime, not just those about golf, intentionally exaggerate the sport for dramatic and entertainment purposes. This is a staple of the genre. A series like Birdie Wing uses “special moves” and impossibly high stakes to make the competition more visually spectacular and exciting. This approach helps them appeal to a broader audience that enjoys action and shonen anime, not just sports fans.

Where is the best place to watch golf anime?

Most modern golf anime are conveniently available on major streaming platforms. You can find Rising Impact on Netflix, Birdie Wing on Crunchyroll, and Ooi! Tonbo! on Prime Video. This makes it very easy to get into the genre. Older, classic series like Pro Golfer Saru can be much more difficult to find legally and often require searching through fan communities and archives.

My Final Verdict: The Best Golf Anime to Watch Now

The world of golf anime has something for everyone, from realistic dramas that explore the human side of the sport to sci-fi action epics that turn a golf course into a battlefield. After carefully watching and analyzing the top contenders, my final recommendation comes down to what you’re looking for in a series.

For Pure Entertainment: My top recommendation is Birdie Wing: Golf Girls’ Story. It’s an unforgettable, action-packed ride that is pure fun. It’s wildly creative, surprisingly emotional, and a fantastic watch even if you don’t know the first thing about golf.

For a More Grounded Story: If you want a series with more heart, a thoughtful pace, and a focus on character, I highly recommend Ooi! Tonbo!. Its beautiful island setting, compelling human drama, and unique approach to the sport make it a standout series for a more mature audience.

Ultimately, whether you choose bombastic action or quiet drama, you can’t go wrong. Pick a series, press play, and enjoy the game.

5 Best Golf Animes: Essential Watches from Classics to New Series 2026