Leo Grade Golf Club ☆ Follow

Located in Hidakagawa-cho, Wakayama Prefecture, Leo Grade Golf Club is a 6,804-yard, par-72 championship course set on hilly terrain. Designed by Shunsuke Kato of Ueshima Architectural Design Office, the layout features a double-green system with Bentgrass surfaces and a self-play format. The course is accessible from JR Gobo Station via a short taxi ride and offers a mix of challenging uphill shots and strategic landing areas. The front nine presents a demanding start with a 528-yard opening hole that offers views of Inugatake Mountain and requires precise placement between bunkers. The fifth hole stands out as the most difficult on the outward leg, a 405-yard par-4 where water hazards flank the fairway and the approach plays uphill to a two-tiered green. The back nine continues the elevation changes, highlighted by the 545-yard 14th hole, which demands a long drive and a significant uphill second shot to reach the green. With a course rating of 72.4 from the back tees and a slope rating reflecting the uphill nature of the layout, the course tests players with its length and elevation changes. The design incorporates strategic bunkering and water hazards to penalize errant shots, while the double greens add a layer of complexity to the putting surfaces. The club hosts regular member competitions, including the Member's Cup and the Grand Senior Championship, maintaining a schedule of internal events throughout the year.