14-Hole Driving Contest

Asagiri Country Club

静岡県, Japan

Situated at an elevation of 971 meters in the Asagiri Plateau, Asagiri Country Club is a 7,633-yard, par-72 course designed by renowned architect Seizo Tomizawa. The 76.35-hectare property features a relatively flat terrain with approximately 30 meters of elevation change, utilizing the natural landscape to create a layout where every hole is separated by evergreen trees. This design ensures that players can enjoy unrestricted, powerful shots while being constantly framed by the majestic presence of Mount Fuji, which serves as a backdrop for the entire round. The course is characterized by its unique visual experience, where the mountain is visible from all 18 holes, sometimes directly in the line of play and other times reflected in water hazards. The layout includes a mix of uphill and downhill shots, with specific challenges such as the elevated green on the 7th and the two-tiered greens on the 2nd and 11th holes. The 15th hole, a par-5, is noted for its length and potential for long hitters to reach the green in two, while the 4th and 15th holes are highlighted as ideal for driving distance competitions. Located in a region with a warm climate influenced by the Suruga Bay, the course offers distinct seasonal playing conditions, providing cool summers and mild winters. The fairways and greens are maintained to suit these conditions, with the course featuring a mix of strategic bunkering and tree-lined fairways that require precise placement. The design by Tomizawa aims to create a sense of playing within a landscape painting, where the focus is as much on the surrounding natural beauty as it is on the technical demands of the golf shots.