Kirin Beer Cup

Katsunuma Golf Course

山梨県, Japan

Located in Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture, Katsunuma Golf Course is a 18-hole, par-72 mountain course designed by the Kumagai Gumi. Opened in November 1988, the facility sits on a 1.11 million square meter site, offering views of the surrounding grape-growing region. The course layout utilizes the natural hilly terrain to create strategic challenges, with yardages ranging from 5,157 yards on the long tees to 6,067 yards from the back markers. The front nine presents a mix of uphill and downhill holes, starting with an uphill par-4 on the first and moving to a demanding par-5 second hole that plays downhill with a dogleg left. The fourth hole is a par-4 featuring a 180-yard carry over a valley, while the fifth is a long par-3 where pin placement dictates a significant club difference. The back nine continues the elevation changes, highlighted by the 15th hole, a par-4 that plays uphill to a two-tiered green. The 18th hole serves as a concluding par-5, playing downhill with a dogleg right, requiring precise distance control on the third shot. Key strategic points include the 14th hole, a par-3 where a valley to the right of the green is out of bounds, forcing players to aim left. The 10th hole also features a drop-off on the right side of the fairway, penalizing errant drives. The course is equipped with remote-controlled electric carts featuring GPS navigation and offers a practice range with five bays. It is part of the Chateraise Group, which operates several other courses in the region.