Kan-Etsu Golf Club Nakayama Course ☆ Follow

Located in Takamura, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture, the Kan-Etsu Golf Club Nakayama Course is a 18-hole, par-72 layout set within a mountainous landscape. The course is characterized by undulating terrain that includes significant elevation changes, with several holes featuring downhill shots and sloping fairways. The setting incorporates natural elements such as birch trees, large zelkova trees, and surrounding mountain views, particularly visible from the 18th hole and the facility's bathhouse. The front nine presents a mix of strategic challenges, beginning with a dogleg left par 4 that requires a powerful drive toward birch trees. The third hole is a par 3 guarded by four pot bunkers in front of a two-tiered green. The back nine introduces more demanding conditions, notably the 12th hole, which is described as the most difficult on the course due to the risk of out-of-bounds on the right side and the complexity of the green. The 11th par 3 is noted for being highly susceptible to wind, requiring careful club selection. The round concludes with the 18th hole, a par 4 that features a water hazard running along the right side from the 200-yard mark to the green. The course layout includes specific yardages for both regular and forward tees, ranging from a short 127-yard par 3 on the 16th to a lengthy 530-yard par 5 on the 4th. The design demands precise course management, with several holes where the first shot placement or distance control significantly impacts the potential score. The facility also features an on-site spring with alkaline water, which is used for a half-open-air bath that overlooks the 18th fairway and the surrounding mountains.