Shimotsuki Open

Ojiyama CC

滋賀県, Japan

Ojiyama Country Club is a 6,216-yard, par-70 course located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, designed by Nobuo Tanimizu and opened in 1961. The 18-hole layout is set on a hilly terrain that offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding cityscape. The course is divided into an out course and an in course, with the out course measuring 2,557 yards and the in course 2,659 yards from the back tees. The design features undulating fairways and requires strategic shot-making, particularly on the approach shots. The out course is characterized by wider fairways that allow for powerful drives, but the difficulty increases significantly on the approach to the greens. The greens are tiered, demanding precise distance control and accuracy. The front nine is designed to test players early, with the expectation that scoring opportunities must be seized on the first three holes before facing more challenging holes later in the round. The back nine is generally longer and straighter but features narrower fairways that penalize inaccuracy. A notable feature of the course is the "Meibutsu Hole," which involves a carry over the OB pasture valley, adding a mental challenge to the layout. Several holes on the in course play uphill, requiring precise yardage judgment to hold the greens. The course utilizes Bentgrass greens and is equipped with navigation systems in all carts to assist with yardage and strategy. The handicap indices range from 1 to 18, with the most difficult holes typically found on the back nine, including the 15th and 18th holes.