Shimazu Golf Club ☆ Follow

Located in Kagoshima, Shimazu Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course spanning 6,811 yards from the back tees. Designed by renowned architect Kazuo Izumi and opened in September 1978, the layout is set on the expansive former lands of the Shimazu family. The terrain is characterized by broad fairways and undulating greens that take advantage of the natural topography. The course is known for its fast putting surfaces, which are maintained at a speed of 9 to 10 feet on the Stimpmeter, a pace comparable to professional tour events. The routing demands a balance of aggressive driving and precise approach play. The front nine features a mix of long par-5s and technical par-4s, including the 9th hole, a 411-yard par-4 with a right-to-left slope that serves as a signature challenge. The back nine introduces more strategic complexity, highlighted by the 12th hole, a 312-yard par-4 noted for its aesthetically pleasing arrangement of water and the green. Other key holes include the 16th, a 528-yard downhill par-5 where wind conditions play a significant role, and the 15th, a flat par-4 that offers views toward Mount Sakurajima. Shimazu Golf Club hosts the Kagoshima Open Golf Tournament, a major event on the Kyushu circuit. The tournament, which began in 1999, features a total prize purse of 5 million yen and a first prize of 1 million yen. The event typically includes a qualifying round followed by a two-day final stage, attracting professional golfers and amateurs from across the region. The course's reputation for speed and strategic depth makes it a fitting venue for competitive play.