Shigaraki Country Club Sugiyama Course ☆ Follow

Located in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, the Sugiyama Course is a 27-hole facility set within the natural landscape of the Shigaraki Highlands. The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole layouts: the King Course, the Queen Course, and the Prince Course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the layout integrates the designer’s philosophy of balancing risk and reward with the region’s rolling hills, streams, and wooded areas. The total yardage for the King and Queen courses extends to approximately 6,804 yards for a par 72, while the Prince Course offers a slightly shorter configuration. The course gained significant recognition for hosting the PGA Men’s Professional Test for nearly 20 years, starting in 1977, which served as a launching pad for many professional golfers. Following a major renovation in 2000, the course was reimagined by Jones Jr. to feature Waving bentgrass greens and a design that emphasizes strategic decision-making. The layout challenges players to choose between safer routes and more aggressive lines that offer potential scoring advantages, a characteristic that defines the strategic nature of the holes. Maintenance standards focus on high-quality turf conditions, with the greens maintained at a consistent speed of around 10 feet throughout the year. The fairways are kept firm and uniform, requiring precise approach shots. The King Course features a par-5 first hole measuring 527 yards from the back tees, while the Queen Course opens with a 417-yard par-4. The Prince Course includes a short 199-yard second hole, providing variety in the course’s difficulty profile. The facility also underwent clubhouse renovations in 2008, updating the interior to a modern style while retaining a traditional atmosphere.