Kuma CC ☆ Follow

Located in the Kuma Valley of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kuma Country Club is a 27-hole facility situated on a hillside with ideal undulations and elevation changes. The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole halves: the Satsuma and Hinoku courses, designed by Shuichi Suzuki, and the Higo course, designed by Hisato Ebihara. The Satsuma and Hinoku halves opened together in April 1973, while the Higo course was added in 1988. The total yardage for the full 27 holes is 10,359 yards with a par of 108. Suzuki, who worked under prominent Japanese architects like Seiichi Inoue and Hajime Ueda, designed the Satsuma and Hinoku courses to be expansive and dynamic. These 18 holes feature moderate起伏 and wide spacing between holes, offering a contrast to the often narrow and steep terrain found in many coastal Japanese courses. The Hinoku start offers a gentle downhill view of the valley, while the Satsuma half is known for its dramatic long holes. A notable feature is the 7th hole on the Satsuma course, a long par 4 that requires a drive over a river. During the 1976 Japan Professional Golf Championship held here, the hole was so challenging from the back tees that out-of-bounds markers were temporarily changed to red stakes due to concerns that players could not clear the river. The Higo course, designed by Ebihara, presents a different character with fewer natural elevation changes and deeper tree lines, evoking the strategic feel of top-tier courses in the Kanto region. It features many dogleg holes and strategic hazards. The 1st hole is a demanding start with a tree obstructing the right side of the fairway and deep bunkers on the left. The 2nd and 7th holes are prominent dogleg par 4s, while the 8th is considered a signature hole for its balance of scenery and strategic difficulty. The final hole on the Higo course is shorter but protected by five bunkers, requiring precise tee shots. Kuma Country Club has a history of hosting major professional tournaments, most notably the 1976 Japan Professional Golf Championship. The event saw a four-way playoff won by Seichi Kanai, who shot a final round of 8-under par. The course offers various yardage combinations for men and women, with the Satsuma-Hinoku combination playing from 6,143 yards for women to 7,033 yards for men from the back tees.