Phoenix Country Club was designed by Kokichi Ohashi and opened for play in 1971.
At that stage it was an 18 hole course.
The two nines were named: Takachiho and Sumiyoshi.
A further nine holes know as Nichinan was subsequently added.
Phoenix CCis known worldwide for hosting the annual Dunlop Phoenix tournament, which it has hosted since 1974
The original 18 holes are still used for the tournament.
Past winners include: Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson, Jumbo Osaka and Brooks Koepka.
The course(s) are carved out of a thick forest of Japanese Pines.
Whilst it features some memorable water hazards, and is nicely bunkered- it is the pine trees that dominate proceedings.
They both define the fairways and provide strategic hazards as single trees or small clusters intruding into the lines of play.
The course is nicely presented, and an easy walk.
We played the Sumiyoshi and Nichinan courses, and enjoyed the day.
The trees define the course in so many ways, and provide a very pleasant setting for the golf.
And you know you are in Japan from the look of the course- I think that is a plus.
Notable holes include:
- Hole 2, Sumiyoshi, a unique and quirky par 3 with a carry over two ponds and a strategically placed pine tree.
- Hole 3, Sumiyoshi, a par 4 with gnarly old trees to carry on the approach
- Hole 4, Sumiyoshi, a short nicely bunkered dogleg par 4
- Hole 8, Sumiyoshi, another pretty par 3 with a pond to carry and tree to avoid!
- Hole 7, Nichinan, a longer par with water off the tee and two trees guarding the green (see pic top of page).
Phoenix Country Club is a very pleasant golfing destination.
Combined with Miyazaki Lakeside and U.M.K., it makes an entertaining golfing getaway.
Golf Tours
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For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- Japan
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