55th Anniversary Opening Cup

Kure CC

広島県, Japan

Kure Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course located in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Designed by Robert von Ilm and opened in September 1971, the layout is JGA-certified with a course rating of 72.9 and a slope rating of 143 from the back tees. The course spans 6,510 yards from the longest tees, offering a challenging test for low-handicap players while providing shorter yardages for senior and ladies' divisions. The terrain features significant elevation changes, including downhill and uphill shots that dictate club selection and strategy. The front nine begins with a downhill par-4 where accuracy off the tee is paramount to avoid left-side out of bounds. The third hole presents an uphill dogleg left, while the fourth is a demanding downhill par-3 over a valley. The back nine opens with a long par-5 that requires careful positioning to avoid left-side hazards, and concludes with a long par-4 that demands precise distance control on an uphill approach. Notable characteristics include the second hole, a par-5 with a slightly doglegging right fairway and a parapet green that requires careful distance management. The ninth hole is a par-4 that challenges accuracy with a target shot toward a prominent pine tree, followed by an approach to a back-pin green. The seventh hole is a long par-4 that allows long hitters to reach in two, while the fifteenth hole is noted for its uphill second shot requiring delicate distance judgment. The course is managed by Kure Kokusai Kanko Co., Ltd.