那須郡
Located in the hilly terrain of Naka-kawa Town in Tochigi Prefecture, Jun Classic Country Club is a 18-hole, par-73 facility designed by Tsutomu Miyazaki and Tadashi Sasaki with supervision from legendary American golfer Gene Sarazen. The course is set within a sprawling 1.75 million square meter landscape, offering a strategic challenge that demands both power and precision. Players can choose between two distinct 18-hole routes: the Tsubaki Route and the Yamabuki Route, both of which feature Bentgrass greens and require a mix of tee shots and approach play to navigate the undulating terrain. The course layout is characterized by wide fairways that contrast with strategically placed cross bunkers and difficult-to-read greens. The Tsubaki Route measures 6,855 yards from the black tees, while the Yamabuki Route runs 6,843 yards from the same distance. Both routes offer four sets of tees—green, white, blue, and black—allowing players of varying abilities to adjust the difficulty. The design encourages a rhythmic balance of attack and defense, with the natural topography playing a significant role in shot selection and strategy. A notable feature of the club is the Gene Sarazen Executive Course, a 12-hole, par-36 short course spanning 1,319 yards. This course is designed for iron play and provides a distinct challenge separate from the main 18-hole layout. The facility also includes a driving range with 27 stations reaching 280 yards, an approach range, and a putting green, catering to those looking to refine their game before or after their round. The course has a rich tournament history, serving as the home for the Gene Sarazen Jun Classic, a professional tournament that began in 1977. Initially a supporting event, it became a full Japan Golf Tour event in 1982 and continued until 1999, featuring 23 tournaments. The event was known for its competitive field and memorable moments, with winners including Isao Aoki, Shigeki Kyoya, and Shingo Katayama. The tournament's legacy is tied to Sarazen’s philosophy that golf is not merely a contest of强者 and 弱者, but a game for all to enjoy.