Rokko Kokusai Golf Club

The Rokko Kokusai Golf Club is a forest course in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture with a magnificent, profound and classic atmosphere. It was opened in 1975 and it was designed by Fukuichi Kato the famous designer in Kansai region. In 1996, under the supervision of the Jack William Nicklaus, the course was redesigned and the green was changed to the bent green. And it became the magnificent course.

The East Course has 7416 yards length and it is quite difficult. It is selected as the stage for one of the most famous Japanese major tournament “The Japan Open” and “The Japan Senior Open”. On the other hand, the West course is slightly shorter with a total length of 6824 yards, but it is an American-style course that requires accurate ball control. It was also designed and supervised by Jack William Nicklaus.

The annual LPGA event “The Suntory Ladies” uses 9 holes of the West Course and 9 holes of the East Course. The quite challenging course gives players a memorable day. “The Suntory Ladies 2018” is known among the funs as the last stage of Ai Miyazato.

The 7th hole of the west course is 405 yards par-4. At the teeing shot, it must be careful that the left side is out of bounds. At the second shot, it requires an accuracy shot because there is a pond in right front of the green. The 11th hole is a beautiful par-3 hole with a pond. It is important to avoid the pond and the bunkers behind the green. The 15th hole is a 182 yards par-3 hole with a valley. Three large bunkers placed around the raised green will put pressure on players. The club selection is a key to get over.

The 3rd hole of the East Course is 217 yards par-3. There is a large pond on the right side and the green is three-tier towards the back.  You should better select the club after checking the ping position. The 8th par-4 hole is downhill and dogleg to the right. As the raised green is guarded by bunkers, it is important to shot accurately. The green is strongly undulating. The 12th hole is 536 yards par-5. There is a pond in front of the green but it can not be seen from the second shot point. The 16th par-4 hole and the 17th par-3 hole have both three-tier greens. If you don’t shot accurately, you will make more than 3 putts. The 18th hole is 490 yards par-4. The cross bunker is narrowing the drop point of the teeing shot, so you should better aim to drop the ball beyond the bunker. It is better to approach from the front of the green because it is inclined backward.