Naruo Golf Club

The final round of the tour is at another highly rated course, Naruo.

The commencement at the first is quite intimidating.  A sizable carry over water to a narrow fairway.

Naruo is another Japanese course that CH Alison had some influence over.  The club commenced in 1920, and moved to the current location in 1930, where the layout was designed by the Crane Brothers.

Alison visited in 1931, and Harry Crane, who had long sought validation of his course by a famous designer, invited Alison to survey the course and offer recommendations.  Alison spent a full week at the site.

In his report he wrote "The skeletal construction uses the site's features well, and no changes are required."  This would have pleased Harry Crane no end.  Alison did however submit detailed recommendations to improve 16 of the 18 holes.

The initial version of the current layout was completed in time for Naruo's first big event, the Japan Open, in 1936.

Like many Japanese courses, the grass is Korai.  Fairways and greens are the same grass. The main difference here is that the grass on the greens plays a lot faster than those of the other Korai ones we have played.

Michael Merrett is pictured here preparing to drive on the par four 9th hole.

The highly acclaimed 10th hole.  A very strong par four, that requires, in Alison fashion, a semi lay up drive to avoid a large gully, and then requires a long approach to the elevated green.

The greens are very small and very firm.  It makes Woodlands look like it has massive targets! 

The green at the par five 14th, looking past the leaning pine tree that interrupts your approach to the miniscule green.

The par three 15th.  Another intimidating tee shot for nearly all golfers.

The approach shot into the par four 16th hole.  A great showcase for the elevation changes here, and the need to put your ball in the correct place off the tee.

Jenny Jones firing away down the par four 18th hole.

The view into the final green, from alongside the fairway bunker.

Naruo is a really strong test of golf.  The requirement for straight, well positioned drives, and the ability to hold the small firm greens make it a challenge.  Throw in the undulation, and elevation changes, you know you have played a round of golf.  I was really impressed.

A great way to conclude the golf element of the tour.
Tomorrow is the final day, during which we will take a tour of Kyoto's sights, and have our final dinner.