Yoshikawa Royal GC ☆ Follow

Located in the city of Kato in Hyogo Prefecture, Yoshikawa Royal Golf Club is a 730,000-square-meter hilly course designed by Daisei Construction and Nihon Kokudo Development. Opened on October 29, 1974, the 18-hole layout features a par 72 and measures 6,622 yards from the back tees. The course is characterized by its undulating terrain, which includes ridges, sloping fairways, and blind shots that demand careful strategy and precise shot placement. The front nine begins with a demanding par-4 that requires accuracy off the tee, followed by a blind par-5 where the initial shot must be placed safely on the right side of the mountain slope. The third hole presents a short par-3 guarded by trees and out-of-bounds, while the fourth offers a view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on clear days. The sixth hole is a blind par-4 with a narrow left side, and the seventh features a large, distinctive green that requires careful pin placement awareness. The nine concludes with a 20-yard uphill approach to a green protected by a deep bunker on the right. The back nine starts with a dynamic downhill par-4, followed by a par-4 where the fairway narrows on the left. The twelfth hole is a long par-5, and the thirteenth is a short par-3 that plays significantly shorter from the front tees. The fourteenth hole is another long par-5, while the fifteenth is a straightforward par-4. The sixteenth hole is a challenging par-4, and the seventeenth is a short par-3 that plays up to a small, difficult green. The eighteenth hole is a long par-4 that finishes the round. The course features Bentgrass greens and requires players to utilize all 14 clubs in their bag. The design encourages thoughtful course management, with some holes requiring players to lay up off the tee or use different clubs for the second shot depending on the lie and distance. The course is known for its strategic complexity, where a head game is essential for navigating the various challenges presented by the hilly terrain and blind shots. Yoshikawa Royal Golf Club is a member-only facility affiliated with the Japan Golf Association and the Kansai Golf Association. The club hosts various internal competitions throughout the year, including monthly cups, a scratch cup, a captain's cup, and championships for seniors and ladies. The club also participates in open competitions such as the Kirin Beer Cup. The facility includes a restaurant and offers lodging options for visitors.