Tokyo Olympic Golf Battleground, Opened in 1929, One of the World's Top 100 Courses, Pine-Lined 'Allison Bunker' Symbol "Decisive Moment at the 18th Hole"
The Kasumigaseki Golf Club, the venue for golf at the Tokyo Olympics, is a prestigious course that can be regarded as the "Anyang CC of Japan." Photo by International Golf Federation
[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] ‘Japan’s Anyang CC’.
The Kasumigaseki Golf Club, where the Tokyo Olympic golf event is held, is one of the world’s top 100 famous courses. It is a private 36-hole club located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, Japan. Opened in October 1929, it boasts a long history and tradition. It is the first golf course in Saitama. Members include royal aristocrats, politicians, entrepreneurs, and prominent social figures. The membership itself symbolizes honor and status. It has faced criticism for not allowing female members.
In 2017, former U.S. President Donald Trump and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a golf meeting here. Former Prime Minister Abe experienced humiliation when he rolled down after escaping a bunker on the 10th hole (par 3, 189 yards). At that time, Hideki Matsuyama, known as the ‘pride of Japanese golf,’ accompanied them. The club has hosted various tournaments including the 1957 Canada Cup (now the World Cup), the Japan Open, Japan Women’s Open, Japan Amateur Championship, and the Asian Amateur Championship.
Kasumigaseki Golf Club, the venue for golf at the Tokyo Olympics, is lined with pine trees on every hole. Photo by Kasumigaseki Golf Club official website
The course was designed by the world-renowned course architect Charles Hugh Alison (England). It is famous for its deep bunkers. The fairways are wide and the elevation changes are not severe. Pine trees line each hole. The distinction between fairway and rough is clear. It is reminiscent of Korea’s Anyang CC. Accuracy in shots is crucial. Sometimes, players need to use a wood or long iron instead of a driver. Tee shots must land on the fairway to make approaching the green easier.
After being confirmed as the Olympic venue, the American father-son duo Tom and Logan Fazio carried out a major renovation in 2016. They changed from two greens to one green, increasing the course length by more than 400 yards. It is a par 71 course measuring 7,466 yards. The bunkers around the greens became deeper and larger. Accurate approach shots are necessary to score well. The 9th hole is a par 4 with a length of 521 yards. The 10th hole features a pond in front of the teeing ground and two bunkers protecting the green.
The 18th hole, the decisive point at Kasumigaseki Golf Club, the venue for golf at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo by Kasumigaseki Golf Club official website
The 14th hole (par 5, 632 yards) also has bunkers blocking the entrance to the green. The decisive hole is the final 18th hole (par 4, 500 yards). There is a pond in front of the green on the right side, and three bunkers pose a threat. Overall, it is expected to be easier than courses on the PGA Tour. However, Japan’s wind, rain, humidity, and other weather conditions are variables. Since the tournament period is during the hot season, the green speed is expected to be slightly slower. According to the Stimpmeter, it will be about 2.7 to 3 meters.
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