Itakura Golf Course ☆ Follow

Located in the riverbed of the Tani River in Ota District, Gunma Prefecture, Itakura Golf Course is a 18-hole public course set on flat terrain. The layout is characterized by wide fairways separated by large trees and lined with water hazards, including ponds and creeks, on nearly every hole. The course features well-maintained Korean bentgrass greens, which are cut at 5.0 mm. The course presents a challenging test for golfers, with significant penalties for wayward shots. Out-of-bounds areas and water hazards are prevalent, particularly on the par-4 and par-5 holes. Hole 1 is a 520-yard par 5 where the second shot must avoid left and right ponds. Hole 9, a 373-yard par 4, is considered one of the most difficult, with out-of-bounds on the left and a pond on the right, leaving a narrow landing area for long hitters. The par-3 holes also demand precision, with Hole 6 featuring a two-tiered green surrounded by bunkers and Hole 13 requiring a carry over a large pond with out-of-bounds to the left and behind the green. The back nine includes a demanding 589-yard par 5 at Hole 16, where crossing a fairway bunker offers the shortest route but carries significant risk if the ball is pulled or pushed. Hole 18, a 548-yard par 5, requires careful management of the second shot to avoid a pond on the right side of the fairway. The course design emphasizes accuracy over distance, with tree-lined fairways and strategically placed hazards that penalize errant drives.