大阪府
Izumigaoka Country Club is a 27-hole facility located in Sakai, Osaka, designed by Chōhei Miyazawa with renovation supervision by Riki Koji. The course, which opened in August 1975, is divided into three distinct nine-hole loops: the Katsuragi, Iwawaki, and Kongō courses. The total yardage for the full 108-par layout is 10,575 yards, set within a 360,000-tsubo area of gently rolling hills. The club is known for its high-quality maintenance, including bent grass greens and the use of Vietnamese white sand in its bunkers. The Katsuragi course, measuring 3,602 yards, is characterized by significant visual pressure and mental challenges. It features numerous valleys and hazards that test a player's composure. A notable feature is the 9th hole, a par-5 long hole that was historically famous for a double-valley crossing. Following major renovations, the second valley was removed, transforming the hole into a more strategic option where players can choose to lay up or attempt to reach the green in two, though the approach remains a demanding uphill shot onto a complex three-tiered green. The Iwawaki course, at 3,499 yards, is situated on the highest elevation of the property, offering expansive views of the Osaka Bay. This layout is designed for big hitters, with wide fairways that reward distance. The holes are generally flat and allow for full visibility from tee to green, placing a premium on long drives. The par-4 6th hole is a significant water carry, while the par-3 4th hole is a demanding downhill shot into a green protected by three bunkers and featuring multiple tiers. The Kongō course, measuring 3,474 yards, prioritizes accuracy and intelligent shot selection over raw power. It is defined by three key dogleg holes—the 2nd, 6th, and 8th—where the placement of the tee shot dictates the difficulty of the subsequent approach. The 2nd hole is a par-5 right dogleg where missing the corner can leave a difficult second shot. The 8th hole, a par-4, requires a precise drive to avoid OB and sets up a challenging uphill approach to a two-tiered green. The layout demands precise distance control and strategic thinking to navigate its doglegs and penalize wayward shots.