Dai-Hakone Country Club ☆ Follow

Located in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone, Kanagawa, Dai-Hakone Country Club is an 18-hole, par-73 championship course set against the backdrop of the Hakone outer mountain range. Designed by Komyo Otani and Torihiko Kagami and opened in November 1954, the course spans 1.1 million square meters with a total length of 7,204 yards from the back tees. The terrain is notably flat for the region, utilizing the natural Sengokuhara plateau and incorporating the flow of the Hayakawa River. The course features a mix of Bentgrass greens, with specific greens dedicated to holes 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9, while the remaining holes utilize a second green complex. The layout is characterized by wide fairways and moderate elevation changes, designed to allow golfers of various skill levels to enjoy the game. The course includes two par-5 drivable holes, the 2nd and 15th, which are designated as driveable par-4s for regular play but play as par-5s for tournament conditions. The 15th hole, measuring 589 yards from the back tees, is often cited as a signature long hole that tests distance and strategy. The front nine includes a demanding par-3 3rd hole at 170 yards where the green is obscured from the tee, and a short 373-yard 6th hole featuring a two-tiered tee box that demands precise approach shots. The back nine is anchored by the 17th hole, known as the "Lotus Flower" hole. This par-3 measures 192 yards from the back tees and is distinctive for its green surrounded by six white sand bunkers, creating a visual impression of a lotus flower. The course also features challenging scoring holes, particularly the 8th, 9th, and 16th, which feature significant green slopes that test putting accuracy. The course is maintained to tournament standards, with green speeds peaking during the summer months to accommodate the annual CAT Ladies tournament held in August. Dai-Hakone Country Club has a history of hosting professional events, most notably the CAT Ladies tournament, which has been held annually since 1998. The course was originally developed by hand before the widespread use of heavy machinery, a fact that contributes to the unique undulations and character of the fairways. The facility is equipped with caddies and golf carts, and the course is open year-round, offering a distinct contrast to the steeper, more rugged terrain typical of the surrounding Hakone mountains.