Wakayama Country Club ☆ Follow

Wakayama Country Club is an 18-hole golf course located in the Uehara district of Wakayama City, situated near the border with Osaka Prefecture at the base of the Takoyako Pass. The course was designed by Giichi Sato, a four-time All Japan Amateur champion, and opened in November 1964 as the second golf course in Wakayama Prefecture. The layout is characterized by a gentle slope across a hilly terrain that faces the city, with the front nine holes featuring wide fairways separated by natural woods and ponds that serve as hazards. The back nine presents a different challenge, with narrower landing areas for tee shots that require greater accuracy. The course plays to a par of 71, with the front nine totaling 36 and the back nine 35. The front nine is noted for its generous fairway width, allowing for powerful drives, while the back nine demands more precise shot-making. Specific holes are highlighted for their distinct requirements: the 3rd and 9th holes on the front nine are recommended for driving distance, while the 2nd and 6th favor approach precision. On the back nine, the 13th and 18th holes are suited for long hitters, whereas the 14th and 16th holes reward accurate approach shots. The 1st hole is a long par-5 measuring 570 yards from the regular tees, while the 9th hole is the longest at 610 yards. The course features several short par-3 holes, including the 6th at 126 yards and the 14th at 160 yards. The design incorporates a full automatic watering system installed in 1992, supported by a reservoir built in 1991. The club also features a driving range, which was established in 2001 and later replaced by a solar park in 2015. Historical developments include the addition of a new 2nd hole in 1984, with the original hole retained for tournament play. The course has seen various upgrades over the decades, including the introduction of electric carts and the installation of electromagnetic induction carts in 1995. Structural changes were made in 2010 to remove suspension bridges on the 9th and 16th holes in preparation for potential earthquakes, replacing them with cart detours. The club was founded by Yazo Kitamura, who established the operating company in 1963.