芳賀郡, Japan
Mashiko Golf Club is a 18-hole, par-72 course located in Mashiko, a town in Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture. The layout was supervised by professional golfer Nobuo Serizawa, who designed the course to feature a total elevation change of just 21 meters. This minimal vertical variation creates a remarkably flat terrain, distinguishing it from the hilly landscapes often found in the region. The course is situated in a setting that allows for clear sightlines across the fairways, contributing to a straightforward visual experience for players. The course is divided into two distinct nine-hole loops, the OUT and IN courses, each measuring 3,536 yards from the Champion tees for a total of 7,075 yards. The OUT course begins with the long 1st hole, a 560-yard par 5, and features a mix of long par 4s and a short 6th hole measuring just 155 yards from the back tees. The IN course presents its own challenges, highlighted by the 12th hole, a 585-yard par 5 that serves as the longest hole on the layout. The par structure includes multiple par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s, with the total par for each nine being 36. A key characteristic of the design is the visibility of landing areas from the tee boxes. Because the terrain is so flat, golfers can see where their ball will land on most shots, a feature intended to make the course accessible and less intimidating for beginners. Despite the flatness, the course requires strategic play, particularly on the IN loop where a pond on the 10th hole demands careful approach shots. The layout utilizes GPS-enabled carts to assist players in navigation and distance management. The facility offers multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels, with yardages ranging from 5,525 yards for the Ladies tees to 6,540 yards for the Back tees. The course is equipped with modern amenities, including a leaderboard system that displays real-time scores to enhance the competitive atmosphere for members and guests.
