比企郡
Ogawa Country Club is a 27-hole facility located in Ogawa-machi, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture, situated on the Musashino Hills roughly 50 minutes from Tokyo. The course is divided into three distinct nine-hole loops: the East Course, the Center Course, and the West Course. These loops operate on a rotational basis, allowing for various nine- or eighteen-hole combinations. The layout is characterized by the undulating terrain of the Musashino plateau, featuring a mix of uphill and downhill shots, doglegs, and strategic hazards including bunkers and water. The East Course presents a challenging mix of elevation changes and risk-reward holes. The opening hole is a 333-yard par 4 that offers views of the town below, while the second hole is a 564-yard par 5 with a water hazard lurking behind a mound on the left side of the fairway. The course features significant elevation shifts, including the seventh hole, a 211-yard par 3 that is the longest short hole on the course and plays from an elevated tee. The ninth hole requires careful club selection and approach management around a pine tree marker. The Center Course is known for its strategic bunkering and complex green contours. The first hole is a downhill par 4 where staying right on the fairway is advised to avoid out-of-bounds near the green. The third hole is a 167-yard par 3 that demands precision, with deep bunkers guarding the front of the green. The eighth hole is a 505-yard par 5 that curves gently to the right, with out-of-bounds running along the right side, requiring a disciplined tee shot. The ninth hole highlights the difficulty difference between the bentgrass and Korean grass greens, with the latter requiring precise distance control. The West Course features the most dramatic water hazards and elevation changes on the property. The fourth hole is a 171-yard par 3 that requires a carry over water, with the green being particularly difficult to hold during winter conditions on the Korean grass. The fifth hole is a 549-yard par 5 with blind water hazards on both sides of the fairway for the second shot, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The ninth hole is located at the highest point on the course, a 148-yard par 3 that is heavily influenced by wind and features subtle but difficult undulations on the green. The course utilizes both bentgrass and Korean grass (Ko-rai) greens, with the latter generally presenting a faster and more challenging putting surface. Course ratings vary depending on the combination of loops played and the type of green surface, with regular ratings for men ranging from approximately 68 to 70.5 and course slopes ranging from 124 to 131. The facility accommodates players of all levels, from beginners to single-digit handicap players, with specific tee boxes available for ladies and long-drive players.
