Yomiuri Cup Scratch Qualifier

Shizuoka Yomiuri Country

静岡県, Japan

Located in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, the Shizuoka Yomiuri Country Club is a 72-par, 18-hole course designed by Tsuneo Abe and opened in October 1985. The layout features a total yardage of 6,288 meters from the regular bentgrass tees, with the front nine measuring 3,154 meters and the back nine 3,134 meters. The course is characterized by a mix of flat terrain and significant elevation changes, particularly on the back nine where several holes play downhill. The front nine presents a variety of challenges, headlined by the 5th hole, a par-5 described as the most difficult on the course. This hole features a flat fairway with hidden elevation changes and a water hazard that is not visible from the tee, making the second shot a complex decision. The 8th hole is a par-3 where the entire left side is out of bounds, requiring careful club selection due to wind differences between the tee and the green. The back nine introduces more demanding terrain, starting with the 13th, a par-5 that plays downhill from the second shot onward. The narrow green on this hole demands precise management to avoid trouble. The course concludes with the 18th hole, a par-4 that requires an uphill approach to the green. The difficulty of the final hole varies significantly depending on the tee position used, with the back tees offering a longer and more challenging test.