Meihan Royal Golf Club ☆ Follow

Located in Iga, Mie Prefecture, Meihan Royal Golf Club is a 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Mitsuaki Kobayashi. Opened in 1981, the facility is set on a hilly terrain that provides a classic aesthetic, distinguished by strategically placed ponds that define the visual character of the layout. The course measures 6,702 yards from the back tees, a relatively compact length that belies the difficulty presented by its challenging features. The front nine is characterized by a generally gentle undulation but demands strategic precision. The fourth hole, a par 4, is noted for its scenic beauty, featuring a pond and pine trees that frame the approach. The sixth hole, a par 3, presents a demanding short-shot over water to a two-tiered green, while the ninth hole serves as a testing conclusion to the outward leg with its elevated and back-sloping surfaces. The back nine is widely regarded as the more difficult half of the course, requiring accuracy and calculated risk-taking. The thirteenth hole stands as the longest par 4 on the layout, featuring a carry over water followed by a downhill second shot to a heavily guarded green. The sixteenth hole offers a deceptive short par 3 where the green is surrounded by water, creating significant pressure for players. The closing ninth hole demands a precise approach to avoid trouble, ensuring the challenge remains until the final putt. Throughout the course, players must navigate Alison bunkers and formidable "gun platform" greens that slope sharply. The design forces golfers to manage hazards such as out-of-bounds areas and water features that encircle greens and fairways. The combination of the compact yardage and the severe green complexes creates a course where scoring requires exact shot placement rather than raw distance.