愛媛県, Japan
Elleair Golf Club Matsuyama is an 18-hole, par-72 course located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, set on a hillside within the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Opened in May 1992, the layout spans 6,598 yards from the back tees with a JGA Course Rating of 72.1. The course is designed to offer strategic variety, with each hole presenting distinct challenges that require precise shot-making and course management. The terrain features undulating fairways and greens that demand careful navigation, particularly given the elevation changes and the influence of wind conditions common to the region. The front nine begins with a demanding par-4 first hole, a downhill shot where a beach bunker on the right and a mounded left side test the opening drive. The third hole, a long par-3, features a green protected by water on the front and right, while the seventh hole is a dogleg right where the green is not visible from the tee, requiring players to aim at specific cypress trees. The back nine introduces further complexity, starting with the tenth hole, a key par-4 that plays straight but slopes right to left. The eleventh hole offers a downhill tee shot with OB on the left, while the twelfth is a short, downhill par-3 with a multi-tiered green that significantly alters the difficulty depending on pin placement. Notable holes include the ninth, a par-5 that encourages aggressive play for birdie, and the sixteenth, a par-3 with a large, sloping green that is susceptible to the wind. The course is known for its strategic depth, where avoiding hazards like the bunkers on the fourth and the water on the third is crucial for maintaining score. The layout requires players to manage their distance carefully, particularly on the approach shots where green slopes and grass grain can affect putting lines. Elleair GC Matsuyama has a significant history in professional golf, serving as the host venue for the Elleair Ladies Open, an LPGA Japan Tour event that began in 1982. The tournament has produced memorable moments, including victories by players such as Yumiko Hachigashi, who recorded a hole-in-one during the 1987 edition, and Michiko Okada, who set a record for the oldest winner on the tour at age 50 in 1995. The course continues to be a key stop on the LPGA Japan Tour schedule, maintaining its reputation as a challenging and strategic test for professional players.
