1st Dog-Companion Competition

Kiyosato Early Bird Golf Club

南佐久郡, Japan

Located at an elevation of 1,435 meters in the foothills of the Mt. Tsurugi range in Nobeyama, Kiyosato Early Bird Golf Club is a 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. The layout is designed to utilize the natural terrain, offering a wide, open environment that takes advantage of the high-altitude conditions where the average temperature in summer remains around 25°C. The course features a total par of 72, with the front nine playing to a par 36 and the back nine also set at 36. The front nine presents a mix of long challenges and strategic approaches. The opening hole is a 549-yard par 5 featuring a gentle downhill tee shot, while the fifth hole is a 496-yard par 5 that requires a light uphill drive toward a dogleg right, with water hazards guarding the right side. The back nine introduces significant elevation changes, most notably on the short holes. The 11th hole is a 157-yard par 3 that plays downhill, where the altitude causes the ball to fly further than expected, demanding precise club selection to avoid the bunkers guarding the front of the green. Difficulty on the course is heavily influenced by the thin air and the undulating topography. The 14th hole, a 198-yard par 3, plays downhill to the right, with trouble waiting if the shot misses the green to that side. The 18th hole is a 198-yard par 3 that serves as the hardest hole on the course, marked as handicap 18, requiring a full shot to a target that is obscured by the elevation drop. The course features a variety of green complexes, including a cupola-style green on the first hole, and generally rewards players who can manage the distance discrepancies caused by the high altitude. The club is known for its casual play style, allowing for jeans and T-shirts, and welcoming single players, families with juniors, and even dogs. This accessibility makes it a popular destination for leisure golfers seeking a relaxed round in a natural setting. The course does not appear to have a history of hosting major professional tournaments, focusing instead on providing a scenic and accessible golfing experience for the general public.