Naruo GC- hole 3 teeThe Tee Shot on Hole 3, Naruo GC

Naruo Golf Club was initially founded in 1920 with a course nearer the sea than the current site, but moved in 1930 to the undulating site it now occupies in the hills outside Osaka.

Originally the design work was undertaken by the three Crane brothers (Joe, Harry & Bertie), but in 1931 noted English architect Charles H. Alison toured Japan on a journey that changed the face of golf in Japan forever.

Alison consulted with Kawana resort, Kasumigasecki GC, Tokyo GC, and Hirono GC, and of course with the Crane brothers at Naruo where he made a number of recommendations for changes.

 

The site at Naruo would appear to be perfect for golf with the rolling terrain providing variety and interest.

The routing takes full advantage of the property, and uses the gorge that runs through the property to add drama.

 

Whilst not overly long for modern standards the course has it's defences with smallish greens well protected by high lipped bunkers.

The rough and grass around the greens is not likely to cause a lost ball, but will certainly make it hard to control shots to the green or around the green, and mow lines are sometimes hard to pick for the first time player...

 

Right from the first blow I enjoyed playing Naruo.

The first hole is the perfect introduction to any Japanese course with a picturesque Japanese garden setting surrounding the first tee.

 

 

Naruo offers a complete Japanese golfing experience with full lunch after 9 holes and onsen afterward.

One is made to feel like royalty! 

  

Notable holes include:

 

- hole 1- with Japanese garden setting, and water carry (and trees) off the tee

Naruo GC- hole 1 teeThe Opening tee shot, Hole 1, Naruo GC

- hole 3- a delightful downhill par 4 with a tree in the middle of the fairway (see pic top of page)

- hole 9- a blind tee shot over the side of the hill leaves a short iron to a lovely green set in a dell

 

Naruo GC- hole 9 teeNaruo GC- hole 9 tee

Naruo GC- hole 9 approachNaruo GC- hole 9 approach

 

 

- hole 10- a long accurate tee shot down hill allows an approach over the gorge with gaping bunkers and water lurking- it's a spectacular and difficult hole.

 

Naruo GC- hole 10Naruo GC- hole 10

 

- hole 14- a short par 5 with a largely blind second shot. The green is well protected by trees, bunkers and slopes. I guarantee you will play this hole differently the second time around!

 

Naruo GC- hole 14Naruo GC- hole 14

 

- hole 15- a dramatic par 3 from ridge to ridge and over a road!

 

Naruo GC- hole 15Naruo GC- hole 15

 

- hole 16- a strong par 4 finishing hole which really opens up after a successful drive. A gorgeous green setting sits well below the fairway

- hole 17- another strong finishing hole which requires accuracy with both the drive, and the approach to a small elevated green

  

Naruo GC- hole 16Naruo GC- hole 16

Naruo GC- hole 17Naruo GC- hole 17

 

 

Naruo is regarded as one of the top 100 courses in the world, top 5 in Japan, and is a golfing experience no serious golfer should miss.

 

 

Golf Tours

The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to Japan to suit your group.

For suggested itineraries see Great Golf Destinations: Japan

 

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