Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 12 & bridge

  

Yokohama Country Club was founded in 1960 and boasts two eighteen hole courses- the East and The West courses.

Both courses were designed and built by owner Takeo Aiyama, and he must have done a pretty decent job because the 1978 Japan Open was held on the West course.

 

In 2014/2015 a major renovation was undertaken of the West Course by architectural supremos Coore & Crenshaw.

In the process of doing so, the old two green system (winter and summer greens) was replaced with a single green on each hole.

Tees and fairways were raised with substantial fill being brought in, and a number of holes were rerouted.

 

Coore & Crenshaw also worked on holes 17 & 18 on the East Course as they were used as holes 1 & 2 for the 2018 Japan Open instead of holes 2 & 3 on the West Course (which are across a road/underpass and not practical to access in a tournament).

 

Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 7

 

Yokohama is sited on lovely rolling terrain with enough elevation change to make it really interesting.

Apparently Coore & Crenshaw accentuated this.

The trademark Coore & Crenshaw bunkering is evident, dominating the look and feel of the course, and the green surfaces are 'sneaky' difficult.

Most holes are framed by pine trees.

Yokohama contains a strong collection of longer par 4's and a couple of ripping short 4's as well.

It is a terrific tournament course, but is a pleasure to play under any circumstances.

 

The service levels at Yokohama were as good as I have encountered anywhere- from the meet and greet when we arrived to the use of the facilities, the Onsen experience, through to the dining and hospitality.

It was an absolute privilege to be there.

 

Notable holes include: 1, 3, 4, 6, 12 & 17

 

hole 1- a longish uphill par 4 to a small well bunkered green surrounded by trees- welcome to Yokohama!

 

 

hole 3- a short par 4 where a decision needs to be made on the tee- lay up for position, or take it on?

 

Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 3

 

hole 4- with a tree in the middle of a fairway that turns and drops out of sight to a green set below protected by water...

 

 

Hole 6- another terrific short par 4 with bunkers and tree in the fairway all complicating the decision on the tee

 

Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 6

 

Hole 12- a mid length par 3 over water to a green framed by bunkers and pine trees- the twefth hole is the picture postcard moment of your round- and it's a great hole!

 

 

Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 12

 

Hole 17- a shortish potentially driveable par four with an elevated green, and an impressive red pine tree protecting the landing area, complicating the approach..

 

Yokohama CC- West Course, hole 17

 

In my opinion the newly renovated West Course at Yokohama Country Club is one of the top 5 courses in Japan.

It is that good!

Yokohama Country Club is a private members course, but if the opportunity comes along to play there, grab it with both hands...

Yokohama CC- West Course, The Players Club 2016

 

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