兵庫県, Japan
Bell Green Country Club is a 27-hole facility located in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, situated approximately an hour's drive from the urban centers of Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole loops: the West Course, the Center Course, and the East Course. Designed by Teruo Sugiura, the layout is characterized by gentle undulations and a flat, open configuration that contrasts with the mountainous terrain typical of the Kansai region. The design philosophy emphasizes strategic play over sheer difficulty, aiming to provide a rewarding experience for golfers of varying skill levels. The West and Center Courses form a standard 18-hole loop played with a riding cart, totaling 72 par. The West Course comprises the first nine holes, featuring a mix of par-4s and par-5s with yardages ranging from 312 to 468 yards. The Center Course completes the round with holes 10 through 18, presenting a total par of 36. This section includes a demanding 550-yard par-5 on the 18th hole and a short 177-yard par-3 on the 11th, which is marked as a driver-recommended hole. The combined yardage for the 18 holes is approximately 6,266 yards from the regular tees. The East Course offers a separate 9-hole, par-35 loop designed for walking or "hand-carry" play, often used as a double-round option for a total par of 70. With a total yardage of 2,688 yards, the East Course features a variety of par-4s and par-3s, including a 455-yard par-5 on the 5th hole. This loop is marketed towards golfers seeking a more traditional, walking-friendly experience, including those preparing for amateur tournaments or student league competitions. A shuttle cart is available to transport players between the longer joints of the East Course loops. The course is set within a natural environment that Sugiura intended to frame the game with expansive views. The terrain avoids extreme elevation changes, instead relying on strategic placement of hazards and fairway contours to challenge the golfer. The facility caters to a broad demographic, from beginners to veterans, with specific tee arrangements available for women and senior players on the West and Center courses. The East Course remains a distinct option for those preferring a self-paced, walking round.
