Thanksgiving Day

Hojo CC

愛媛県, Japan

Hojo Country Club is an 18-hole championship course located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The layout is classified as a hilly course, with the terrain dictating a strategic flow where tee shots are often downhill, followed by uphill approaches to the greens. The course is characterized by wide fairways and greens that are surrounded by natural vegetation, offering a spacious playing environment despite the elevation changes. The total yardage from the back tees is 6,943 yards, with a par of 72. The front nine plays out to 3,396 yards, while the back nine measures 3,547 yards. Handicap strokes are distributed across the holes, with the 1st hole (Par 5) carrying a handicap of 3, and the 5th hole (Par 4) being the easiest at handicap 1. The 8th hole (Par 3) and 12th hole (Par 3) are the shortest holes, measuring 177 and 179 yards respectively from the back tees, while the 11th hole (Par 5) is the longest at 553 yards. A key strategic feature of the course is the influence of the wind, which blows down from the Nawa Mountains. This wind adds a layer of complexity to shot selection and club choice. The 1st hole exemplifies this challenge, requiring a tee shot over a bunker directly in front, with a high lip on the green-side bunker adding difficulty to the approach. The course design ensures that length and width are sufficient for a full-scale championship layout, demanding both accuracy and distance management from golfers.