Seve Open

Seve Ballesteros Country Club

茨城県, Japan

Seve Ballesteros Country Club is a 7,200-yard, par-72 championship course located in Inashiki, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, situated on the shores of Lake Kasumigaura with views of Mount Tsukuba. The 18-hole links-style layout was designed by David Thomas and Seve Ballesteros, opening in September 1984. The course is characterized by its hilly terrain, natural pine tree separation of holes, and a single green complex that challenges golfers with strategic routing and elevation changes. The course offers multiple tee boxes to accommodate various skill levels, ranging from the forward pink tees at 3,710 yards to the back black tees at 6,922 yards. A course rating of 73.5 from the back tees indicates a demanding test of golf. The layout features a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s, with notable challenges including the 1st hole, a par 5 where a single pine tree guards the front of the tee box and demands precise fairway placement, and the 12th hole, a par 4 flanked by out-of-bounds on both sides that requires a well-placed drive to avoid a difficult second shot. Key characteristics include the use of bentgrass greens, which cover an area of 900,000 square meters, and the strategic placement of water hazards and bunkers throughout the routing. The 5th hole is a demanding downhill par 3 with a creek guarding the front and water on the right, while the 11th hole presents a par 4 with water on the left and out-of-bounds on the right, requiring careful club selection and placement. The course also features a 270-yard driving range with 20 bays, a Spanish-style clubhouse with a restaurant and bath facilities, and a pro shop stocking major golf brands. The club hosts regular competitive events, including the Seve Open, a monthly open competition held on the third Wednesday of each month, and various ladies' competitions. These events utilize specific tee markers and formats, such as the New Perilla system with W par cut, reflecting the course's active role in the local golfing community. The facility also provides GPS-enabled carts, a competition room for up to 40 guests, and free Wi-Fi throughout the clubhouse.