下伊那郡
Located at an elevation of 1200 meters in Migasaki Village, Nagano Prefecture, the Buna no Mine course is a 18-hole championship layout designed by Toshisuke Kato. The course is situated within the Chushu Kogen area, offering a setting that emphasizes harmony with nature and a relaxed playing environment. The terrain is characterized by significant natural undulations, with holes surrounded by thick bear grass and featuring various elevation changes, including valley crossings and water hazards. The design philosophy respects American golf concepts, aiming to provide a comfortable pace of play while challenging the golfer's skill and sportsmanship. The course presents a high level of difficulty, requiring players to utilize all 14 clubs in their bag to navigate the layout successfully. Key characteristics include narrow fairways, multi-tiered greens, and strategic hazards that punish aggressive play. The par 3 fourth hole demands a carry over water to a green guarded by a rocky outcrop, while the par 4 third hole is noted for its deceptive difficulty, where a safe drive is essential to avoid a challenging approach. The par 5 fifth hole offers a wide fairway but tests distance control on a gentle uphill climb, whereas the par 4 sixth hole features a dramatic 10-meter rock wall that players must clear off the tee. Signature holes define the strategic nature of the round. The par 4 sixteenth hole features a large rock in a fairway bunker that serves as a symbol of Kato’s design, requiring a precise second shot to a sloping green. The closing par 5 eighteenth hole is a definitive test of the round, where players must choose between a bold drive down the right side or a conservative approach, with a water hazard guarding the right flank and a viewing area for spectators near the clubhouse. The par 3 eleventh hole adds another layer of complexity with a valley-crossing shot to a large, three-tiered green that demands delicate touch. The layout includes a variety of hole lengths and par configurations, ranging from the short par 3 seventh at 110 yards to the long par 5 fifth at 514 yards. The course is operated as a self-play facility, typically requiring players to complete all 18 holes, with two-seater carts permitted. The environment is noted for its cool summer temperatures, which are significantly lower than those in urban areas, providing a refreshing playing condition. The course also features natural elements such as streams with trout and, in June, the sight of nesting frogs in the pond at the fifth hole, integrating the local ecosystem into the golfing experience.
