Nara Kokusai Golf Club ☆ Follow

Nara Kokusai Golf Club is an 18-hole course located in Nara Prefecture, Japan, set against the backdrop of the ancient capital's urban landscape and the Asakayama mountain range. The course is divided into two distinct nine-hole loops: the Out Course and the In Course. The Out Course is characterized by its expansive fairways and significant undulations, offering long drives and panoramic views of Mount Wakakusa and the Nara National Museum area. The In Course, by contrast, is shorter and more technical, demanding precision over power, with views of the Ikoma mountain range. The Out Course begins with a dramatic par-5 first hole, a long, straightaway that plays eastward, allowing golfers to watch the sunrise while navigating a wide fairway flanked by towering metasequoia trees. The second hole, a par-4 designed by the renowned architect Jiro Ueda, features a blind second shot over a rising terrain, with the underground path of the Hōrai Tunnel passing beneath the fairway. The front nine concludes with the ninth hole, a left-dogleg par-4 that wraps around the Abomaru Pond, where swans often nest among tall tulip trees. The In Course presents a series of challenging technical holes. The eleventh hole is a demanding par-4 with a downhill second shot onto a backstopped green bordered by residential areas. The fourteenth hole is a downhill par-4 where players aim for the clubhouse chimney, requiring careful avoidance of multiple mounds in the right rough. The fifteenth hole, a par-4 with a significant cross bunker, forces players to decide whether to carry the hazard or play around it, followed by an uphill second shot to a fast green. The eighteenth hole serves as a definitive test, featuring a pond and two large cross bunkers known as the "Great Buddha's Footprints," which add a dramatic finish to the round. The course features a variety of tee boxes across multiple colors, including Blue, Yellow, White, Gold, and Purple, catering to different handicap levels. The total yardage varies significantly by tee, with the Out Course generally offering longer distances than the In Course. The design incorporates natural elements such as persimmon trees, camellia groves, and various ornamental trees, blending the golfing experience with the seasonal beauty of the Nara region.