TOKYO GOLF CLUB

WHERE 33km north of Tokyo, 45 minutes from the start of the Kan-Etsu expressway. WHY Inspired by a visit to the USA, the first Japanese-designed course was created by golf course architect Mitsuaki Otani, and opened near Tokyo as a six-holer in 1913. This was the start of a tumultuous history, which included three changes of venue and requisition, first by the Imperial Japanese Army and then by the US Army at the end of World War II. The club settled into its current location in 1956 and is now an oasis in a very urban world. As with many Japanese courses, the Allison factor can be clearly seen in the demanding bunkering and approach shots that require guile rather than strength to be successful. Later influences on the design include the UK’s Sunningdale and Wentworth, bringing a touch of Surrey heathland to the Japanese capital. As a prized venue for the Japanese Open, the layout was refurbished in 2010 by Gilbert Hanse, the architect of the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro.

PRICE Weekdays ¥29,000 (US$273), weekends ¥33,500 (US$315), with a compulsory caddie.

HOURS 7am-6.30pm. Closed Monday. MAX HANDICAP 20.

FACILITIES 18-hole course, 6,904 yards par 72, practice area, putting green. Club hire not available.

FOOD AND LEISURE The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1963 in style with the addition of an elegant yet rustic clubhouse designed by distinguished architect Anthony Raymond. Set among deciduous trees, it has a long terrace overlooking the course – a relaxing venue for 19th hole analysis. CONTACT 1,984, Kashiwabara, Sayama, Saitama 350-1335; +81 4 2953 9111; tokyogolfclub.jp