Helena International Country Club ☆ Follow

Helena International Country Club is an 18-hole golf course located in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, set within a vast 900,000 square meter landscape. The course is characterized by wide, flat fairways with minimal elevation changes, designed to offer an open and relaxed playing experience. The layout is situated on a hillside that provides expansive views, aiming to evoke the atmosphere of the English countryside. The course presents a total yardage ranging from 5,235 yards for the red tees to 7,101 yards for the black tees, with pars varying between 72 and 74 depending on the tee selection for the final holes. The front nine totals 36 par, while the back nine offers flexibility, allowing players to choose between a par 36 or par 38 configuration. This strategic choice is applied specifically to the 17th and 18th holes, which feature alternative tee positions that alter the par and distance significantly. The 17th hole can be played as a par 4 or par 5, and the 18th as a par 5 or par 6, allowing golfers to adjust the difficulty to their preference. Key challenges on the course include water hazards and bunkers that come into play on numerous holes. The 8th hole is a par 3 island green surrounded by water on all sides, requiring precise distance control. The 9th hole is a blind shot on a downhill approach to a green with a strong uphill slope. The 18th hole is considered a signature feature, requiring a second shot over a waterfall-like drop, followed by an uphill approach to a convex green that is thin on both sides. Several holes are noted for long drives, including the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 17th holes. The terrain is generally wide and flat, reducing the pressure of undulating fairways, but strategic placement is required to avoid out-of-bounds areas and water hazards. The course allows cart access throughout, facilitating a self-paced round. The design emphasizes freedom of play, catering to both beginners and advanced golfers who prefer a layout that rewards accuracy over sheer power, although the length of the back tees demands significant distance.