Shigaraki no Mori Country Club ☆ Follow

Located in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, the Shigaraki no Mori Country Club Sugiyama Course is a 27-hole facility set within the rolling hills of the Shigaraki Highlands. The course was originally established in 1977 and hosted PGA Japan Tour men's professional tests for nearly two decades, serving as a launchpad for many professional golfers. In 2000, the course underwent a major renovation and redesign by Robert Trent Jones Jr., who integrated his signature philosophy of "risk and reward" with the existing natural landscape. The redesign included the conversion to Bent grass greens and a layout that emphasizes strategic play and aesthetic beauty. The course is divided into three nine-hole loops, each with distinct yardages and par configurations. The Jones loop, which is the primary tournament layout, plays to a par 72 and measures 6,804 yards from the back tees. It features a mix of long par-fours and par-fives, including a 527-yard first hole and a 522-yard seventh hole. The Queen loop offers a par 72 layout of 6,738 yards from the back tees, highlighted by a demanding 555-yard fifth hole. The Prince loop provides a shorter, par 69 challenge of 6,458 yards from the back tees, featuring a 475-yard seventh hole and a 427-yard ninth. Maintenance standards are a key characteristic of the course, with the Bent grass greens maintained at a consistent speed of approximately 10 feet throughout the year. The fairways are kept firm and tight, requiring precise approach shots. The design encourages strategic decision-making, offering players multiple routes to the green that balance safety with the potential for lower scores. The setting utilizes the natural undulations of the land, with tree-lined fairways and views of the surrounding highlands. The club has undergone significant facility updates, including a clubhouse renovation completed in 2008 that introduced a modern, mountain-lodge aesthetic. The course continues to host regular club competitions and events, maintaining its reputation as a serious testing ground for golfers. The combination of the historic layout, the strategic design elements introduced by Jones, and the high-quality turf conditions defines the playing experience at Shigaraki no Mori Country Club.