Monthly Open Competition

Kibogaoka Country Club

芳賀郡, Japan

Kibogaoka Country Club is a 18-hole, par 72 course located in Tochigi Prefecture, specifically in the town of Motegi in Haga District. The layout is divided into an out course and an in course, each presenting distinct strategic challenges. The out course is characterized by undulating fairways and greens that demand precise putting, while the in course features a more orthodox design that requires significant driving distance to navigate effectively. The course total yardage varies by tee, ranging from 3,257 yards for the regular men’s tees to 3,605 yards on the championship set, with a par of 36 for each nine. A notable feature of the out course is the third hole, a par 3 where a large bunker known as the "Milky Way Bunker" sits in front of the green, resembling a river. The fourth hole offers a view of Mount Haga, locally referred to as "Haga Fuji," from the tee box. The course design incorporates significant elevation changes, with several holes playing downhill from the tee. The greens are generally two-tiered, adding complexity to the approach shots and putting sequences. The in course is defined by its length and the requirement for accurate shot-making. The twelfth hole, a par 5, stretches over 600 yards from the championship tees and features a narrow fairway that penalizes inaccurate drives. The fifteenth hole, another par 5, is noted for its scenic autumn foliage visible from the tee. Strategic hazards include bunkers and out-of-bounds areas, particularly on the second and seventh holes, where the landing zones are restricted. The facility includes extensive practice areas, such as a large putting green, an approach green, and an iron practice range located alongside the out course. The club has recently expanded and newly installed ladies' tees on specific holes, including the fourth, fifth, tenth, and seventeenth, to allow for different strategic challenges. The course is registered as a Tochigi SDGs promoting enterprise, reflecting its commitment to environmental considerations and health promotion through golf.