Kasumiyama Country Club ☆ Follow

Located on the southeastern slope of Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture, Kasumiyama Country Club is a 72-par, 18-hole links-style course designed by Greg Norman. The property sits at an elevation that provides panoramic views of the Kanto Plain, utilizing the natural terrain to create a challenging layout. The course is characterized by its use of natural forests to separate holes, a design choice that enhances the sense of isolation and strategic depth. Norman’s influence is evident in the routing, which demands careful shot selection and offers multiple ways to play each hole depending on the player's skill level. The front nine presents a mix of long par-4s and par-5s that test distance and accuracy. The second hole, a 472-yard par-5, is noted for its wide shark bunkers and out-of-bounds protection on the right. The fifth hole features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped green, while the seventh hole, a 374-yard par-4, plays to a cigar-shaped green that is heavily guarded by out-of-bounds lines. The back nine introduces more elevation changes, including several par-3s that require precise approach shots. The thirteenth hole is a 142-yard par-3 played from an elevated tee to a two-tiered green, while the sixteenth is a short 178-yard par-3 protected by a creek in front of the green. Strategic variety is a hallmark of the course, with several holes offering alternative tees to accommodate different handicap levels. The ninth hole, a 474-yard par-5, and the seventeenth, a 492-yard par-5, are recommended for long-drive players, offering significant yardage gains for those who can reach the green in two. Out-of-bounds is a constant factor, lining the right side of the second hole, the left side of the fourth, and wrapping around the fifth and seventh holes. This layout requires disciplined driving, as errant shots are often penalized heavily. The course also features several two-tiered greens, including those on the sixth and twelfth holes, which add a layer of complexity to the putting surfaces.