Aizu Bandai Country Club ☆ Follow

Aizu Bandai Country Club is a 18-hole, par-72 championship course located in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, set against the backdrop of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. Designed by Chen Qingshui and opening in September 1962, the facility spans over 1 million square meters of hilly terrain. The course is characterized by its long distances and wooded fairways that are frequently separated by ridges, creating a distinct forest-like atmosphere. The layout incorporates numerous doglegs, water hazards, and blind shots that demand precision throughout the round. The front nine presents a mix of challenging par fours and long par fives, including the 535-yard eighth hole, which is noted as the course's longest and most demanding par five. The back nine begins with the 410-yard tenth hole, offering views of Mount Bandai as players tee off. The course features significant elevation changes, with several holes requiring uphill approaches or downhill shots that leave the ball on a slope. Notable hazards include out-of-bounds areas lining many fairways and strategically placed bunkers that protect the greens. One of the course's signature features is the fifteenth hole, a 168-yard par three that carries over a valley. This hole offers a view of Lake Inawashiro, a Ramsar Convention-registered wetland, providing a scenic contrast to the technical difficulty of the shot. The sixteenth hole is another standout, featuring a tee box with panoramic views of Mount Bandai and a dramatic downhill drive followed by an uphill approach to a green protected by out-of-bounds on the right. The course plays from back tees at 6,756 yards with a course rating of 72.6 for men and 79.2 for women. The club has a rich history, having been visited by Emperor Showa and Empress Nagako when they were Crown Prince and Princess in the early 1930s. It officially opened in 1963 and has hosted significant events, including the All Japan Amateur Golf Championship for the General Men's division during the 50th Fukushima National Sports Festival. The course is a member of the Japan Golf Association and the Fukushima Golf Federation, maintaining its status as a prominent venue in the Tohoku region.