Yokohama Country Club ☆ Follow

Located in Hodogaya, Yokohama, the Yokohama Country Club is a 36-hole facility situated on hilly terrain. The course was established in 1958 and opened to the public in 1960, with the full 36-hole layout completed in 1965. The original design was the work of Takeo Aiyama and Hideo Takemura, with Aiyama serving as the club's first president. The grounds are divided into the East Course and the West Course, each offering a distinct layout and strategic challenge. The East Course consists of 18 holes and was originally designed as a nine-hole layout. It underwent a significant renovation between 2000 and 2010, which included converting the greens to bentgrass and flattening the terrain. From 2016 onwards, the course was further modified by architect Kentaro Sato. The layout features strategic bunker placement and contoured greens, with a par of 73. The back tees stretch to 6,508 yards, while the front tees measure 5,146 yards. The 7th hole is a demanding 539-yard par 5 on the black tees, and the closing 18th hole is a 492-yard par 5. The West Course also comprises 18 holes and was subject to a comprehensive renovation by Coore & Crenshaw between 2014 and 2016. The architects aimed to modernize the course while preserving its original topography, natural valleys, and ridges, creating a classic design that allows golfers of various skill levels to walk and play. The course plays to a par of 71, with the black tees extending to 6,938 yards. The 7th hole is a 504-yard par 4, and the 13th is a 536-yard par 5, providing significant length and strategic options. Yokohama Country Club has a substantial history of hosting major professional tournaments. It hosted the 1978 Japanese Open, won by Seve Ballesteros, and the 2012 Japanese Women's Open, won by Shang Guan. The club also hosted the 2018 Japanese Open, claimed by Yuki Inamori. Looking ahead, the course is scheduled to host the 2025 PGA Tour Baycurrent Classic Presented by Lexus. The facility also hosted the Pepsi Tournament in the 1970s and various other domestic and international events throughout its history.