Kodama Country Club ☆ Follow

Located in Saitama Prefecture, Kodama Country Club is an 18-hole private course designed by the renowned architect Osamu Ueda. Opened in May 1977, the layout represents Ueda's final work, created on a site large enough for 27 holes but deliberately designed for a spacious, comfortable 18. The course features a par-72 layout with a back tee distance of 6,898 yards and a course rating of 72.3. The routing is structured to provide a dramatic flow, balancing the outbound and inbound nine holes to create a strategic challenge that accommodates players of varying skill levels while demanding precision from advanced golfers. The terrain is characterized by generous fairways and short walking distances between tees and greens, a design choice intended to enhance the playing experience. The course is heavily wooded with clusters of red pines and cherry trees, and the grounds contain numerous ancient kofun burial mounds that add to the historical atmosphere. A significant renovation in 1995 by architect Tazô Kawaï refined the greens, bunkers, and slopes, modernizing the layout while preserving Ueda's original strategic intent. The greens are described as having subtle undulations that create optical illusions, making putting a nuanced challenge. Signature holes define the character of the round. The 4th hole, a par-5, serves as a critical early test featuring a large water-filled bunker that punishes errant second shots. The 17th hole, a par-3, is split by a creek that divides two distinct putting surfaces, creating pressure when pins are placed in exposed positions. Other notable holes include the 8th, a par-5 flanked by sacred red pines, and the 15th, a par-5 that plays past a memorial mound. The course is known for its strategic depth, requiring careful positioning off the tee to avoid fairway bunkers that penalize excessive distance. Kodama Country Club has a strong history of hosting competitive amateur golf. It holds JGA course rating certification and is recognized as an LPGA-certified course. Since 2005, the venue has regularly hosted major student tournaments, including the Asahi Cup All Japan Student Golf Championship and the Nibori Cup All Japan University Golf Championship. The course also served as the venue for the final LPGA qualifying tournament in 2015, cementing its reputation as a rigorous testing ground for emerging talent.