Miyazaki Beef Half Round Competition

Iwakuni CC

山口県, Japan

Iwakuni Century Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Designed by Akoyoshi Hayashi and opened in May 1975, the course is set on a hilly terrain that offers expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea. The layout features a single green constructed with Bentgrass Sand, and the total yardage extends to approximately 6,825 yards from the back tees. The course is characterized by its compact design, which utilizes the natural topography to create distinct challenges on each hole. The front nine begins with a demanding opening hole, a par-4 that requires a downhill tee shot on a slightly right-dogleg. This hole provides some of the most prominent views of the Seto Inland Sea from the teeing ground. The difficulty increases at the fifth hole, a par-4 dogleg right where a water hazard guards the right side of the fairway. The green complex here is elevated and sloped, with a high-sided bunker protecting the right flank, requiring precise approach shots to navigate the undulations. The back nine presents its own tests, highlighted by the 18th hole, a par-5 uphill finishing hole. This long hole is often favored for driving distance competitions but requires players to avoid water hazards on the right side. The green at the 18th is a two-tiered structure, with the lower front section and steeper back section demanding careful pin placement awareness. The course also features waste bunkers on the left side of the 7th and 16th holes, which are treated as part of the general area rather than penal bunkers. Local rules at Iwakuni Century Golf Club include specific provisions for red penalty areas on holes 5, 7, 15, and 18, where the penalty area extends infinitely on one side. The course utilizes white stakes for out-of-bounds and allows relief for balls in running water within bunkers without penalty. The fairways are overseeded to maintain green grass quality throughout the year, and the fast Bentgrass greens are known for their subtle undulations that challenge putting accuracy.