三重県, Japan
Located in Shiga, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, West Japan Seven Three Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by architect Fukuichi Kato. The course opened on July 7, 1972, and is situated in a setting that overlooks Ise Bay, utilizing the natural terrain to create a challenging environment for golfers. The layout features a single green shared across the 18 holes and is characterized by wide fairways and varied hole designs that demand full shots. The course is divided into an Out Course and an In Course, each offering distinct strategic challenges. The Out Course begins with long holes featuring colored bunkers and includes a mix of par-4s, a par-5, and a short par-3. The In Course is noted for its strategic difficulty, particularly the "Amen Corner" consisting of the 12th, 13th, and 14th holes, alongside the long 17th hole. The 12th hole is a short par-3 measuring 174 yards from the back tees, while the 17th serves as a demanding par-5 at 551 yards from the back markers. A defining characteristic of the course is its use of colored sand bunkers, a feature introduced at the club's opening in 1972. The bunkers are painted in red (vermilion), white, and blue (Seventhree Blue), creating a visual distinction from standard white sand traps. The course also features water hazards, including a pond on the 5th hole and a water carry on the 6th par-3. The difficulty of the course is reflected in its JGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. From the back tees, the Course Rating is 73.6 with a Slope Rating of 135. The regular tees offer a Course Rating of 71.9 and a Slope of 130, while the front tees provide a lower difficulty with a Course Rating of 70.2 and a Slope of 125. The total yardage from the back tees is 7,077 yards. West Japan Seven Three Golf Club has a history of hosting various tournaments, including the Triple Open Golf Championship and the Chubu Amateur Golf Championship. The club is a member of the Japan Golf Association, the Chubu Golf Association, and the Mie Prefecture Golf Association. Local rules specify that out-of-bounds is marked by white stakes, and the club implements specific regulations regarding dropped balls and cart paths.
