Shimonoseki GC ☆ Follow

Located in the Toyoura district of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Shimonoseki Golf Club is a 7,002-yard, par-72 links-style course designed by Hajime Ueda. The club opened in July 1956, following the initial establishment of the club in 1952 and the design work commissioned in 1953. The course is situated along the Mutsu Bay, overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Hibiki Sea, and is set within the historic Tsukinohara area, known locally as the Moon Pine Grove. The layout integrates natural pine forests that have matured over decades, with the ruins of the Genko Boei (Mongol Invasion) fortifications visible near the middle of the first hole. The course features a full set of tees, ranging from the back tees at 7,002 yards down to the ladies' tees at 5,423 yards, with a course rating of 75.1. The front nine measures 3,561 yards, while the back nine is slightly shorter at 3,441 yards. The fairways are lined with mature pines, and the greens are maintained with Bermuda grass. The club operates with a mandatory caddie service for all groups, and the course is part of a reciprocal agreement with the nearby Mojiko Golf Club and Wakamatsu Golf Club, allowing for inter-club play among members. Shimonoseki Golf Club has a significant history of hosting major amateur and professional tournaments. It hosted the 56th Japan Open Golf Championship in 1991 and the 82nd All Japan Amateur Golf Championship in 1997. The course also hosted the 3rd Chugoku Open in 1973 and the 14th Chugoku Open in 1984. Notably, the club produced Japan Amateur champions, including Ichiro Nakabe in 1960 and Ginjiro Nakabe in 1978. The club is also a member of the Hajime Ueda Classic Association, a group of courses designed by the renowned architect. Key characteristics of the course include a mix of long par-4s and demanding par-5s. The 4th hole is the longest on the course at 472 yards from the back tees, while the 10th hole stretches to 575 yards as a par-5. The par-3s provide variety, with the 3rd hole measuring 178 yards from the back tees and the 14th hole being a shorter 152-yard challenge. The course is designed to test players with its length and the natural elements, including sea breezes from the nearby coast. The layout requires precision off the tee and careful approach shots to the Bermuda greens.