Oak Hills CC ☆ Follow

Oak Hills Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course is notable for being the first in Japan to feature Bentgrass fairways and greens. The layout spans approximately 7,000 yards from the black tees, with a total par of 72. The design emphasizes the "risk and reward" philosophy, utilizing natural terrain and strategically placed hazards to challenge golfers. The course is characterized by its large greens, which average 700 square meters, requiring precise approach shots as the pin positions narrow the target. The terrain features undulating greens and a mix of dogleg holes that demand strategic course management. The front nine includes a demanding par-5 third hole, a downhill shot with a cross bunker and water hazard, and a long par-5 seventh that requires an accurate second shot to navigate surrounding bunkers. Significant difficulty is presented by the back nine, particularly the par-4 15th hole, which is the second most difficult on the course. This hole features a tee shot over a fairway bunker with out-of-bounds to the left, forcing players to choose between a risky line over the trees or a safer route that leaves a longer approach. The course also features water hazards on several holes, including a penalty area on the right side of the third hole. Oak Hills Country Club has a strong tournament pedigree, having hosted the first World Golf Championships and serving as a venue for the US Senior Tour and JLPGA events. The course is designed to offer a unique experience in Japan, with each hole presenting a different challenge and layout that recalls American championship courses. The facility includes a restaurant and pro shop, catering to both members and visiting golfers.