Designed in 1931 by, you guessed it, CH Alison, the course opened for play in June 1932.
Originally Alison agreed to produce a "simple routing" for Mr Seichi Takahata, the man who approached him about assisting with his project near Kobe.
The site, 12 miles inland from the seaport, Kobe, was part of a large estate owned by former feudal worlord, Viscount Kuki. Viscount Kuki was a keen golfer. Upon arrival at the site, Alison was inspired. The terrain was perfect.
"Beautiful lakes and pretty ponds, natural valleys and ravines, good and gentle undulations all around, rivulets, mountains, hillocks and woodlands, a real setting for an ideal golf course, all arranged by nature." Alisons idea of a "simple routing" changed, and on agreement with the club, was engaged to create a full design. Alison declared that the course would be the best in Japan, and one of the finest in existence.
He was correct. The golf course here is brilliant. It is challenging, picturesque, and in magnificent condition. Above all it is a very playable course for all golfers, and one that could be a course that you could play every day as a member.
This is the brilliant par three 5th hole. Unfortunately the recent typhoons and heavy rain have eroded part of the embankment in front of the green, hence the blue tarp seen in the photos. Nothing a bit of photoshop can't fix.
Sharon Marks preparing to successfully negotiate the long carry to the green.
All of the par threes here are superb. The 5th shown before, and here the 7th (also called the devil's divot) are truly impressive, along with the 13th and 17th on the inward nine.
Alison's Pine Valley experience was really evident here. Photographs of the course from the 1930's, show more rugged bunker structures, and more sandy waste areas. As with all courses, these have been softened and contoured over time. The club is set to embark on a full "Alison" restoration, with MacKenzie & Ebert getting the contract.
Above is the par five 12th hole. This is a double dogleg with water and OOB down the left side. It is a very good hole, but has some big opposition to the title of best hole on the nine.
Gary Jones firing into the par three 13th hole. This hole is one of the challengers to the 12th hole.
It is called Loch Lomond, and was originally played from a tee position 90 degrees to the right, meaning you would be shooting from over the bridge. Part of the restoration is to recreate that original teeing ground as a playable option.
The tee shot at the par four 14th. This hole looks simple enough when standing on the tee, and it has a super wide fairway. That fairway however, only has about 20 yards of usable driving space, until you get past 230 or so metres. Anything on the left 3/4 of the fairway before this runs straight left into the rough.
Some of the trees that interfere with your shot on the par five 15th. A real three shotter, as you are forced into a shot of less than 250 metres from the tee to remain safely on the fairway. This first gully greets you if you are longer than this, as do the trees. The second shot also forces a lay up or carry over another gully. A really good par five.
The long par three 17th. It played about 190 metres, with a water carry. A really strong test to keep your round going late in the day.
Next up is Naruo Golf Club.
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