愛媛県, Japan
Imabari Country Club is a 18-hole, par-72 golf course located in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Situated in the Seto Inland Sea region, the course is set on hilly terrain that offers expansive views of the islands and the Kuraishima Strait Bridge. The layout was designed by architect Tokiyuki Mii and covers a total area of 690,000 square meters. The course features a single green complex constructed with bent grass. The front nine totals 3,134 yards from the back tees, while the back nine measures 3,309 yards, bringing the total yardage to 6,443 yards. The course is characterized by its dynamic terrain and strategic demands, requiring players to read the wind and navigate complex topography. The design incorporates a mix of uphill and downhill shots, with several holes featuring doglegs and sloping fairways that test a player's ability to manage distance and accuracy. The back nine begins with the demanding 10th hole, a 511-yard par 5 that plays relatively flat but requires precise placement to avoid the narrow green and out-of-bounds areas. The 11th hole is a 431-yard par 4 that plays downhill, with the left side of the fairway marked as out of bounds. The 12th is a 161-yard par 3 that plays downhill to a two-tiered green, a hole noted for its difficulty in pin placement. The 16th hole, a 545-yard par 5, features a fairway that slopes to the right, making a left-side drive the safer option, while the green is guarded by a depression on the right front. The front nine presents its own challenges, starting with the 1st hole, a 518-yard par 5 where the second shot can be difficult depending on the lie. The 2nd hole is a 270-yard par 4 that plays downhill and carries a water hazard, offering a birdie opportunity for long hitters. The 5th hole is a 358-yard par 4 that plays uphill and is listed as the most difficult hole on the front nine. The 9th hole, a 393-yard par 4, is noted as a driver-recommended hole, requiring a drive over a fairway bunker to set up an approach to a green that is narrow at the back. The course is open year-round and hosts various local tournaments and events throughout the season. It is part of a network of partner clubs in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, including Kinkoji Country Club in Shimane and Mihara Country Club in Hiroshima. The facility includes a restaurant and practice areas, catering to both members and visiting golfers seeking a strategic test of golf in a scenic coastal setting.
