APA Resort Tochigi no Mori Golf Course ☆ Follow

The APA Resort Tochigi no Mori Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-72 public course set across gentle hills in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Designed as a strategic layout, the course features undulating terrain and varied elevation changes that demand precise shot-making. The front nine and back nine each carry a par of 36, with tee boxes available in black, blue, white, and red to accommodate different skill levels. Yardages range from 3,495 yards on the front nine and 3,512 yards on the back nine from the black tees, down to 2,581 and 2,614 yards respectively from the red tees. The course is characterized by its strategic demands, including water hazards, bunkers, and out-of-bounds areas. The first hole presents a significant opening challenge, requiring a tee shot over a large pond, with specific penalty rules for shots landing in the water or going out of bounds. Several holes feature blind shots or require careful navigation around OB lines, particularly on the par-3 eighth hole which is described as an S-shaped blind hole demanding accuracy. The layout includes both elevated tee shots and downhill approaches, with greens that often feature significant undulation. A notable technological feature is the iPad Cart Navigation system, introduced in February 2017 as the first of its kind in Tochigi Prefecture. This system allows players to input scores in real-time, view leaderboards hole-by-hole, and receive pop-up notifications for birdies during competitions. The system also provides yardage information from the cart's position and allows players to take home their scorecards via QR code. The facility includes a clubhouse with a restaurant called "Birdie Wood" on the second floor, offering morning, lunch, and afternoon menus featuring seasonal cuisine. The resort also features a large public bath (daiyokuden) for guests to relax after play. The course operates as a public facility, welcoming individual players and groups, with membership options available through the Tochimo Club.