みどりヶ丘, 福井県, Japan
Tsuruga Kokusai Golf Club is located in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, just a ten-minute drive from the Tsuruga Interchange. Situated in a natural setting with views of the city and Mount Nosaka, the facility features three distinct nine-hole courses: the Midori-gaoka Course, the Nosaka-yama Course, and the Izumi Course. Each layout is a par 36, offering a total of 27 holes for play. The courses are designed to provide varied challenges, ranging from wide, flat fairways to strategic layouts featuring water hazards and elevation changes.
The Midori-gaoka Course is characterized by its wide, flat fairways, which favor long hitters. The back nine presents the most significant distance challenge, highlighted by the 573-yard 6th hole, described as the course's most difficult par 5. The front nine includes the 3rd hole, a 176-yard par 3 with water hazards guarding the front of the green, a hole that has produced a hole-in-one at least once annually since the club's opening in 1962. The 8th hole requires a 90-yard carry over a valley, adding technical difficulty to the generally open layout.
The Nosaka-yama Course offers more topographical variety, incorporating uphill and downhill shots as well as creek crossings. The 3rd hole is a 532-yard par 5 where a creek runs 280 yards from the tee, demanding precise distance control. The 8th hole provides a downhill view of the Wakasa Bay, offering a potential eagle opportunity for aggressive players. This layout balances wide fairways with strategic doglegs and elevation changes that require careful club selection.
The Izumi Course is a flat, wide layout that relies on strategy rather than length. A creek crosses the fairway on several holes, including the 2nd, 7th, and others, penalizing inaccurate drives. The 1st hole is a 554-yard par 5 that sets the tone with its length and pine tree-lined sides. The 4th and 8th holes are par 3s that require precise approach shots to greens guarded by bunkers or water. The consistent flat terrain and water hazards make accuracy the primary requirement for scoring well on this layout.
