香川県, Japan
Elleair Golf Club Kagawa is an 18-hole, par-72 course located in Saita, Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. The layout measures 6,572 yards from the back tees and 5,129 yards from the ladies' tees. The course is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, featuring a mix of flat terrain and undulating ground that challenges players across all skill levels.
The front nine presents a variety of challenges, starting with a drivable but demanding par-5 first hole where positioning off the tee is critical. The course features several dogleg holes, including the left-turning fourth and the right-turning fifteenth, which require precise shot placement. Par-3s such as the third and thirteenth play over valleys or from elevated tees, with the thirteenth featuring a large, fast green where pin placement can significantly reduce the effective landing area.
The back nine introduces more elevation changes, including a series of downhill shots on holes ten through twelve. The eleventh hole features a prominent plateau green that punishes approach shots that are not well-judged in distance. The course is known for its firm greens and significant wind conditions, particularly on the exposed third hole where crosswinds are common. Several holes are marked as "driving recommended" or "pin-seeking," indicating specific strategic requirements. The sixteenth hole is a short par-four that plays as one of the most difficult holes on the course due to its narrow fairway and blind second shot over a rise. The closing hole is a long par-five that demands accuracy off the tee to avoid hazards and position the player for an approach to the green.
Elleair Golf Club Kagawa has a significant history in Japanese women's professional golf, having hosted the Elleair Ladies Open, a Japan LPGA Tour event, since 1982. The tournament was established to promote the Elleair brand and contribute to the golf community. Notable winners include Yumiko Hoshina, who recorded a hole-in-one during the 1987 edition, and Michiko Okada, who set a record as the oldest winner on the tour at age 50 during the 1995 tournament. The course has also hosted events in Matsuyama, with some tournaments alternating between the Kagawa and Ehime facilities.
