Niku Niku Cup

Kumihama CC

京都府, Japan

Kumihama Country Club is a 72-par, 18-hole links-style course located in Kitanose, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, situated along the coast of the Kumi Bay. The course is divided into two distinct nine-hole loops: the outward course, which runs along the bay and offers expansive views of the Sea of Japan, and the inward course, which is characterized by a more rugged, wooded terrain with significant elevation changes. The total yardage is 6,551 yards from the championship tees and 6,137 yards from the regular tees. The outward nine holes are defined by their proximity to the water, featuring two notable sea-over holes. The third hole is a demanding par-4 that requires a tee shot over the ocean, while the sixth hole is a par-3 that also crosses the bay. These coastal holes are contrasted by the inland holes of the outward nine, which include a long par-5 second hole and a downhill par-4 fifth. The layout is designed to challenge players with wind conditions and narrow landing areas, particularly on the third and sixth holes where out-of-bounds and water hazards are prominent. The inward nine holes present a starkly different challenge, described as a "hard" course through forests and hills. This side features significant elevation changes, including uphill and downhill shots on holes such as the twelfth, sixteenth, and seventeenth. The par-5 thirteenth hole is a long, left-dogleg that requires precise placement to avoid trees and water hazards near the green. The eighteenth hole concludes the round with a demanding approach shot over a pond, testing the player's accuracy after a round of varied terrain. The course is known for its wide fairways on the outward nine, which require a different strategic approach compared to the tighter, more technical inward nine. The design incorporates natural features such as pine trees, slopes, and coastal views, creating a diverse playing experience. The club is located at 118 Minato-miya, Kumihamacho, Kyotango City, Kyoto, and is recognized for its scenic setting and challenging layout that appeals to golfers seeking a mix of coastal beauty and rigorous course management.