Nishinomiya Country Club ☆ Follow

Nishinomiya Country Club is a 6,704-yard, par-72 course located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, at the eastern end of the Rokko mountain range. Designed by Seiichi Inoue and opened in 1956, the course sits at an average elevation of 220 meters on a sloping terrain that offers views of Mount Kabuto to the south and the Osaka skyline in the distance. The layout is divided by the Niikawa River, which serves as a natural hazard throughout the round. The front nine is characterized by a box-like atmosphere with the river flowing centrally, while the back nine features significant elevation changes that make reading green slopes and hole elevations challenging for players. The course presents a variety of strategic challenges, including island greens, and shots over or across the Niikawa River. The front nine is generally considered more moderate but requires precise management of hazards, while the back nine is steeper and more dramatic. Notable holes include the third, a short par-3 guarded by the river and a sloping green that resists easy approach shots. The fifth hole is a par-4 that demands a tee shot avoiding the river on the right, leading to a demanding second shot onto a fortress-like green. The seventh hole is a long par-5 requiring a river carry and a blind shot toward a green flanked by sharp angles. The back nine begins with the twelfth hole, a par-4 featuring a river carry over the Niikawa toward a target marked by a Japanese cedar. The thirteenth hole is a downhill par-4 where the green’s shape is said to resemble Mount Kabuto, creating a visual double with the mountain in the background. The fifteenth par-3 uses bunkers on the left to tighten the line while the right side appears safe but can lead to trouble due to the lack of depth. The sixteenth, often cited as one of the most difficult holes, requires a long second shot from a downhill lie, with OB hazards on both sides of the narrow green. The course concludes with the eighteenth hole, a par-5 dogleg left. The tee shot is blind due to growing trees on the left, making the landing zone a critical strategic decision. Successfully navigating this final hole allows players to attack the green for eagle or birdie opportunities. The course has hosted numerous significant tournaments, including the KGU Kansai Open, the Japan Women's Amateur, and the Japan Senior Open, cementing its status as a premier venue in the Kansai region.