Ikaho Golf Club ☆ Follow

Located in Gunma Prefecture at an elevation of 611 meters, Ikaho Golf Club is a 27-hole facility designed by Toshisuke Kato and opened in October 1984. The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole loops: the Otowa, Aduma, and Eboshi courses. Situated in the Aduma district, the grounds are surrounded by the Jomo mountain range, including Mount Kotai and Mount Asamagakure, offering players views of the surrounding peaks. The layout is characterized as a hilly course with wide fairways, designed to allow golfers to utilize their drivers effectively while enjoying the changing seasons. The Aduma and Otowa combination is often cited as the most challenging and popular routing, featuring a total distance of 7,191 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 72.7. This pairing includes several long par-4s and par-5s that demand distance, such as the 566-yard 1st hole on the Aduma course and the 558-yard 8th on Otowa. The Aduma course itself is noted for its mid-holes, all of which exceed 400 yards from the back markers, requiring precise distance control. The Eboshi course offers a shorter, more strategic test with a total distance of 7,048 yards, where accuracy is prioritized over raw power. Each of the three courses features dual greens, designated as Akane (茜) and Ai (藍), which provide different playing conditions and affect the course rating. The Akane greens generally result in higher ratings, with the Aduma and Otowa combination reaching 73.4, while the Ai greens lower the rating to 70.2 for the same routing. The Otowa course is described as a full-fledged championship layout, while the Eboshi course is designed to test directionality with its separate, shorter holes. The facility operates as a self-play course with electric carts, though caddies are available upon request. The course is accessible via the Kan-Etsu Expressway at the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange, located just 11 kilometers away. It serves as a base for golfers seeking a summer retreat, with cool winds from the Jomo mountains providing relief during morning and evening rounds. The club maintains a schedule that accommodates seasonal changes, including winter closures due to snow, ensuring the fairways remain in optimal condition for play throughout the open season.