Asahi Beer Cup (Open Competition)

Shiobara Country Club

栃木県, Japan

Located in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, Shiobara Country Club is a 54-hole facility set in the Nasu Highlands, offering three distinct nine-hole courses: the North, Middle, and South courses. Designed by Takeshi Kayama and constructed by Watanabe Construction, the club occupies a sprawling 1,039,500 square meters of terrain. The layout is characterized as a forest course with wide fairways and generally flat terrain, though the South course introduces significant distance challenges with two mid-par holes exceeding 400 yards. The North and Middle courses present a contrasting test with shorter yardages but smaller, tee-box-style greens that demand precision. The South course is the longest of the trio, featuring a demanding 18th hole that stretches to 570 yards from the back tees. The club offers flexible playing styles, allowing guests to choose between caddie-assisted rounds or self-play with motorized carts. Course ratings vary by combination, ranging from a Course Rating of 71.4 for the North-Middle configuration to 73.0 for the South-North combination. Key challenges are highlighted by specific signature holes across the layout. The North course’s 4th hole is noted as a premier driving distance test, while the Middle course’s 9th hole serves a similar purpose. On the South course, the 8th hole is the designated long-hole challenge. Conversely, accuracy is paramount on the 3rd hole of the North course and the 2nd hole of the Middle course, which are identified as key birdie or par-saving opportunities for precise approach shots. The facility was established in April 1969 and remains a accessible option for golfers traveling from the Tokyo metropolitan area via the Tohoku Expressway or Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station.