"The Four Seasons of Ulsanbawi Rock Like a Folding Screen... One Round Is Not Enough"

[Golf Course Story] ② - Sonopellice CC Delpino

Seorak and Geumgangsan Ridge Natural Scenery Overwhelms
Dense Pine Forest, Mountain and Sea Views Attractive Each Season
All Holes Equipped with Lights for Night Rounds

The keyword symbolizing Sono Felice Country Club (CC) Delpino, a representative golf course in Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, is 'Ulsanbawi.' Six granite peaks, each with a circumference of 4 km at an altitude of 780 meters, overlook the golf course like a folding screen. On the 24th, when the spring energy was bursting forth, despite it being late March, patches of old snow remained in the rocky valleys. Golfers, captivated by the majestic figure, repeatedly pressed the shutter button on their mobile phone cameras toward Ulsanbawi while waiting for their round at the clubhouse.

Sonopellice CC Delfino course with Ulsan Rock in the background
[Photo by Sono International]

"The End of Seorak, The Beginning of Geumgang"

When facing Ulsanbawi directly from Sono Felice CC Delpino, the peak on the far right is the end of Seoraksan. Behind it stretches the Geumgangsan ridge, which embraces Sinseonbong, the first peak of the 'Ilmanicheonbong' range. Visitors can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of these sacred mountains throughout the four seasons at the golf course.

Jaechan Lee, Executive Director in charge of operations at Sono Felice CC Delpino, said, "Visitors are highly satisfied because they can experience different views of Ulsanbawi each season," adding, "We often see guests who are mesmerized and amazed by the natural scenery they see immediately upon arrival." Among the four seasons, the autumn foliage is especially beautiful, but the golf course also attracts photographers nationwide during heavy snowfalls in winter, making it a popular shooting spot.

The most popular hole is undoubtedly the in-course 7th hole (16th hole, par 5). Since players tee off with their backs to Ulsanbawi, they can capture their swings with the peaks as a backdrop in photos or videos. The adjacent in-course 8th hole (17th hole) is also considered a signature hole. While most of the back nine holes offer mountain views, this hole provides a panoramic view of the sea at Sokcho Beach, about 10 km away. A golf course official introduced, "Customers teeing off first in winter can take shots while watching the sunrise if the weather is clear. It is a popular spot because it offers spectacular views of both the sea and mountains."

The 'Devil's Hole,' which both staff and visitors agree is tricky, is the in-course 3rd hole (12th hole). It is a 338-meter par 4 with a relatively short distance to the hole and a wide fairway, allowing players to hit long shots without much pressure. However, the green is surrounded by bunkers, making it difficult to attack. If the second shot is even slightly short or long, the ball often lands in the sand. Because of this, double bogeys (called 'yangpa') are common. A golf course official hinted, "At last year's Gangwon Province Youth Sports Festival, where elite players participated, some players struggled at this hole, scoring 8 to 9 strokes over par because the records were measured until the end."

The 16th hole (left), considered the signature hole of Sonopellice CC Delfino, and the 12th hole, known as the "Devil's Hole." The 16th hole is popular among visitors for photographing tee shots with Ulsan Rock as the backdrop. The 12th hole is challenging to approach as bunkers surround the green.
[Photo by Sono International]

"An Ideal Place of Dreams and Happiness... Night Views Are Also Superb"

Sono Felice CC Delpino is a golf course brand of Sono International, part of Daemyung Sono Group, the largest hotel and resort operator in Korea. It opened in September 1998 as a 9-hole 'Daemyung Seorak Condo Public Golf Course.' The Ocean Course (now the out-course), overlooking the Sokcho sea, was the origin. Later, in June 2012, nine holes of the Mountain Course (now the in-course), offering views of Ulsanbawi, were added, transforming it into an 18-hole public golf course named 'Delpino CC.' In October 2021, the golf course was renamed Sono Felice CC Delpino, and the course names were changed as well.

'Sono Felice' is Italian for 'dream/ideal place (SONO)' and 'happiness/joy (FELICE),' meaning "an ideal place where one enjoys a happy life like a dream." 'Delpino (DEL PINO)' is Spanish for 'of pine trees.' The executive explained, "The golf course site was originally a pine forest," adding, "We preserved natural elements as much as possible when creating the course." The pine trees scattered throughout the course are at least 50 to 60 years old.

In August last year, over 120 lights were installed across all holes to enable night rounds, and fences were set up along paths for safety. Sunset (night) rounds will be operated for five months from May to September this year. A golf course official said, "We increased the light intensity so that golfers can enjoy the game at night with brightness comparable to daytime," adding, "Even visitors who have experienced night rounds at other courses praise our night views as the best." Due to its beautiful scenery, the course has recently been in high demand as a filming location for popular golf entertainment programs.

Sono Felice CC Delpino is also characterized by its complex recreational facilities, including hotel and resort rooms, a water park, hot springs, restaurants, and cafes, attracting many family visitors. Guests enjoy golf while using facilities suited to their family composition during one or multiple nights' stays. The golf course is open year-round except during heavy snow, strong winds, or facility maintenance. As it operates as a public course, reservations must be made through the website on a first-come, first-served basis weekly, selecting the desired date and time.

The executive emphasized, "Sono Felice CC Delpino boasts different charms and many sights each season, so most visitors feel that one round in a day is not enough," adding, "We focus on course management so that visitors coming from afar can breathe with nature, heal their tired minds and bodies, and take home memories."