Hirakata Country Club ☆ Follow

Located in Hirakata, Osaka, the Hirakata Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by the renowned architect Seiichi Inoue. Completed in 1959, the layout was constructed during Inoue’s most prolific period, utilizing the site’s natural topography to create a challenging environment that has retained its integrity for decades. The course is situated in a hilly terrain that features moderate elevation changes, including various uphill and downhill shots, rather than the severe undulations found in other regions. The layout is characterized by wide fairways that minimize out-of-bounds penalties, but it compensates with a demanding green complex. The club utilizes receiving greens, often requiring approach shots from elevated positions, which makes putting from above a critical skill for scoring. The back nine is generally considered more difficult than the front, with long par-3 holes that test distance control and accuracy. The course total yardage from the regular tees is 6,456 yards, with a course rating of 72.6 and a slope rating of 72.6. Hirakata Country Club has a significant history in Japanese professional golf, hosting the 1964 Japan Professional Golf Championship. The club also welcomed Prince and Princess Takamado during a visit in 1964, who planted trees on the grounds. Over the years, the facility has undergone various improvements, including the conversion of the main greens to bentgrass in 2005 and the renovation of the second hole in 2001 to accommodate the construction of the Second Keihan Expressway.