Umaimon Competition

Zuien Country Club Nishi Kobe Course

兵庫県, Japan

Located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, the Zuien Country Club Nishi Kobe Course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by Robert Bon Hegarty. The course spans 6,625 yards from the back tees and is situated in the Ikuta district of Kobe, accessible via the Sanyo Expressway or the Kobe Municipal Subway. The terrain is characterized by significant elevation changes, featuring numerous uphill and downhill holes that test distance control and shot shaping. The front nine presents a mix of straight and doglegging challenges. The opening hole is a relatively straightforward par 4, but the difficulty ramps up quickly at the second, an uphill par 4 with a two-tiered green and a right-side bunker that demands precision. The third hole is a left dogleg par 5 where strategic placement on the fairway is essential for an approach. The fifth hole is rated as the most difficult on the front nine, a right dogleg uphill par 4 that requires a long carry over a bunker for the best angle. The ninth hole introduces water, with a pond guarding the front-left of the green, making a conservative tee shot crucial. The back nine continues the test with several demanding par 4s and 5s. The twelfth hole is a signature left dogleg par 4 that requires a tee shot over a pond and a suspension bridge. The thirteenth hole, a right dogleg par 5, is noted for its strategic complexity where every shot counts. The sixteenth hole offers views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge but features a steep downhill lie past the bunkers that can leave golfers with difficult approach shots. The final hole is a right dogleg par 5 with a small valley near the green, where the presence of spectators can add pressure to the finish. Facilities at the course include a practice area with five hitting bays, a restaurant with views of the ninth and eighteenth greens, and a large public bath for post-round relaxation. The course operates on a self-caddie basis with manual golf carts equipped with navigation systems. While the course is known for its challenging layout and scenic views of the Akashi Strait, it does not appear to have a history of hosting major professional tournaments.