The Classic Golf Club ☆ Follow

The Classic Golf Club is a 27-hole facility located in Miyakonojo, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, designed by Syoichi Suzuki. Opened in 1990, the course is divided into three distinct nine-hole layouts: the King, Queen, and Prince courses. The King Course serves as the club's flagship layout, featuring a par 36 and a total yardage of 3,546 yards from the back tees. The Queen Course, also a par 36, measures 3,507 yards from the back tees and is characterized by a large pond that serves as a central strategic element. The Prince Course rounds out the 27 holes with a par 36 layout measuring 3,479 yards from the back tees, known for its doglegs and elevation changes. Suzuki, who studied under the renowned designer Osamu Ueda, applied his signature style of unique curves and water features to the property. The terrain consists of gentle hills running north to south, natural ponds, and surrounding mountain ridges. The club has hosted several major national tournaments, including the 1995 All Japan Women's Professional Golf Championship, the 2017 All Japan Senior Open Golf Championship, and the 2020 All Japan Women's Open Golf Championship. These events have established the course as a serious testing ground for professional golfers, with the King and Queen courses typically utilized for major championship play. The course design emphasizes strategic shot-making, with the King Course offering a balanced mix of long par-4s and par-5s alongside shorter par-3s. The Queen Course presents significant water hazards, particularly on the par-5 3rd and par-5 6th holes, which stretch over 500 yards from the back tees. The Prince Course provides variety through its dogleg holes and undulating terrain, including a long par-5 6th hole that measures 569 yards from the back tees. The total yardage for the 27 holes is 10,416 yards, with a combined par of 108. The club has undergone various course modifications over the years, including renovations by Benjamin Warren, to maintain its status as a tournament-ready facility. The King Course is often described as the starting point for national flagship tournaments, reflecting its prominence within the club's hierarchy. The Queen Course is noted for its memory-inducing design that balances natural beauty with strategic challenges, while the Prince Course has remained a favorite among members for its varied and engaging layout.