Katsuyama Gosho CC ☆ Follow

Katsuyama Gosho Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course located in Miyako Town, Katsuyama, Kyogun, Fukuoka Prefecture. Established in 1975, the layout was designed by Koichi Kobayashi, known for his water-heavy "water layout" strategy, and Tokiyuki Miyoshi, who specialized in precise green designs and was an accomplished golfer himself. The course is characterized by a generally flat terrain that utilizes natural features, including 7 ponds and natural red pines that serve as hazards or separators. The front nine is noted for being flat, while the back nine incorporates more elevation changes and strategic complexity. The course demands strategic play across its 18 holes, with several signature challenges. The 4th hole is a par-3 that requires a shot over water, particularly when the pin is positioned back right. The 10th hole is a par-4 where the second shot must carry a pond, with the green situated within the water hazard itself. The 16th hole, the longest on the course, begins with a tee shot over water from an elevated tee, requiring precise placement to set up a challenging third shot up to the green. The 18th hole is another par-3 requiring a carry over water, with narrow fairways and shifting winds complicating club selection. Natural elements play a significant role in the difficulty. The 2nd hole features a sloping green with severe undulation, while the 7th hole is often affected by left-side winds and requires careful navigation around a pond. The 16th hole’s third shot is an uphill approach guarded by bunkers on the left. The course design encourages players to simulate conditions and adjust their strategy based on weather and course conditions, offering a dynamic challenge that rewards both distance and accuracy.