I. Unique Features of Hokkaido Golf Courses

18 Holes of Continuous Play

Hokkaido golf courses are based on 18 holes of continuous play. During spring and summer, tee times are divided into morning and afternoon starts, but depending on sunset and booking situations, there may be a half-round rest (60 minutes).

Beautiful Shining Grass

Hokkaido golf courses are known for their famous, high-difficulty courses. These courses are not only excellent in layout and strategy but also vary in wind conditions and grass types, offering a "battle with nature" unique to Hokkaido. The fairways are a bright green, using Western grass rarely seen in the Kanto region.

Gourmet-filled Clubhouses

Hokkaido is a treasure trove of gourmet food, offering a wide range of seafood and land-based delicacies. Renowned nationwide for its seafood, ramen, curry soup, and Genghis Khan. Playing golf while enjoying these superb ingredients is the epitome of luxury. The clubhouses and adjacent hotels are also filled with delicious cuisine.

Noteworthy Famous Courses

Hokkaido’s unique geographical features, spacious fairways, long courses, and magnificent scenery are all attractive aspects. Additionally, there are many courses that have hosted tournaments and are longed for by golfers, allowing you to relive the excitement of past competitions.

II. Recommended Golf Courses in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Brooks Country Club

American-Style Prestigious Course

Opened in 1992, the course was designed by E. Snead. It features a 7,312-yard, 18-hole, par-72 layout on a hilly course. It combines the delicate intricacies of Japanese courses with the elegance of prestigious American golf courses. From 2011, it has hosted the Hokkaido Open and Japan Amateur Championships for six consecutive years. With a difficulty rating of 75.7, it ranks second in Hokkaido, challenging even high-level players.  

Covering a vast 500,000 square meters with lush green trees, the front nine holes feature natural obstacles and closer OB stakes that can put pressure on players. The back nine holes have varied fairways crossing hills and forests. Though the fairways are wide, hitting into the forest makes it hard to retrieve the ball.  

[More information and booking: Hokkaido Brooks Country Club]

Nidom Classic Course

Beauty’s Temptation

Opened in 1988, NISPACOURSE is an 18-hole, par-72, 7,029-yard forest course. It has hosted the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship 11 times between 1994 and 2006. "Nidom" means "rich forest" in Ainu language. True to its name, the course is surrounded by magnificent forests and rich natural scenery. Designed with the concept of ultimate beauty, it features beautiful trees separating each hole and natural undulations with up to 25 meters of elevation change. The beauty of the forests and ponds excites golfers, particularly the 3rd, 10th, and 13th holes, which inspire multiple attempts.  

[More information and booking: Nidom Classic Course]

Hokkaido Classic Golf Club Obihiro

Hokkaido’s Most Popular

This hilly course with wide fairways offers an excellent swing atmosphere. Water hazards formed by lakes and streams are a highlight, with streams running through six holes, pressuring golfers. The signature hole is the 6th, with a lake extending along the right side of the fairway to the green. A drive over the lake can land on a neck of the lake, allowing an approach to the green in two shots.  

[More information and booking: Hokkaido Classic Golf Club Obihiro]

Katsura Golf Club

Japan’s Top 100 Courses

Opened in 1993, covering an area of 1.44 million square meters, with a 7,116-yard, 18-hole, par-72 layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Named after the Katsura tree, unique to Japan. The course has hosted major events like the NITORI Ladies and HEIWA PGM Championships. Katsura Golf Club ranks within the top 60 in Japan.  

The course features undulating fairways, clear and challenging water hazards, and lush ancient trees. The slopes and speed of the greens present additional challenges. Occasionally, wild deer graze on the fairways, adding to the memorable experience.  

[More information and booking: Katsura Golf Club]

Niseko Village Golf Course

Swing at Little Fuji

Designed by Arnold Palmer, this par-72, 6,805-yard course is 20 minutes from the Niseko Resort. The signature 3rd hole features gentle slopes, bunkers, and water hazards, requiring precise shots to avoid mistakes.  

Located at the entrance of Hilton Niseko Village, the course offers a stunning view of Mt. Yotei, a beautiful backdrop. The well-manicured course welcomes golfers of all skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive golf experience. It has been named "Japan’s Best Course" in the World Golf Awards in 2014, 2015, and 2016.  

Mt. Yotei, one of Japan’s top 100 mountains, is known as "Little Fuji" due to its resemblance to Mt. Fuji. In summer, the lush forests and flower fields at the summit are refreshing.  

[More information and booking: Niseko Village Golf Course]

Sapporo Golf Club Yuni Course

Challenge Hokkaido’s Toughest Course

Designed by Seiichi Inoue and opened in August 1974, this renowned course hosts the Hokkaido Open and other official tournaments.  

Highly esteemed in Japan, it is considered the toughest course in Hokkaido by local golfers. The fairways are lined with trees, with many dogleg holes, fast and firm greens, making it challenging. The layout is fluid and varied, a masterpiece by a famous designer. 

[More information and booking: Sapporo Golf Club Yuni Course]

Hayakita Country Club

Just 20 Minutes from the Airport

Situated on the early-coming hills, the club offers a vast 36-hole course overlooking the Yufutsu plain and the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Hiroo Tomizawa, it has hosted numerous tournaments like the Sapporo Charity Open and Hokkaido Open.  

The North Wing, designed for championship play, features long distances and wide fairways for long-distance shots; the South Wing, with gentle natural undulations, offers shorter distances. Streams and ponds increase strategic play.  

[More information and booking: Hayakita Country Club]

III. Tips for Playing in Hokkaido

1. When consuming raw seafood, consider your digestive system’s tolerance.

2. The temperature difference between morning and evening can be significant, so it’s recommended to bring a light jacket.

3. As with other golf courses, please pay attention to attire, pace of play, and etiquette.

Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture in Japan, boasts the most golf courses in the country. With beautiful scenery, comprehensive facilities, and excellent service, it is an ideal choice for golf enthusiasts. Start your Hokkaido golf journey at one of the top courses!

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