TO K Y O
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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
AP RIL 2 0 18
ABOVE AND LEFT: Lakewood Golf Club and Tokyo Golf Club
LAKEWOOD GOLF CLUB WHERE 75km southwest of Tokyo (72 minutes by train with 15 minutes by bus). WHY With its 50th birthday approaching in 2019, Lakewood is one of the most popular golf day trips from Tokyo. Visitors love the course, the facilities, meals in the clubhouses and the dramatic setting between Mount Fuji and Mount Hakone. In spring on the West Course – the more challenging of the two – the opening tee shot onto a fairway lined with cherry blossoms is nothing short of dazzling. The course rewards intelligence over power, with changes in elevation and abundant water features; the most dramatic is the four-tier waterfall at the signature 4th. The East is marginally more spectacular. The 1st sets the tone with a lake to the left and bunkering on both sides of a relatively generous fairway, followed by a blind dogleg approach shot. The course asks tactical questions as it meanders through the forest, culminating in a nail-biting risk-reward
decision over water to a three-tiered green at the par 5 18th. PRICE Weekdays ¥25,150 (US$237), Saturday ¥40,150 (US$378), Sunday/ holidays ¥37,150 (US$350); green fees include caddie and buggy. HOURS 7am to sunset. MAX HANDICAP 36, certificate not required. FACILITIES West Course: 18 holes, 6,554 yards par 72. East Course: 18 holes, 6,524 yards par 72. 19-stall covered driving range (7am-10.45am), practice bunker, bent grass putting greens. FOOD AND LEISURE The main West clubhouse has guest locker rooms with onsen and massage chairs. Breakfast/lunch is served in the Cafe, while Dinac, on the second floor, offers an international menu. Kohantei, the clubhouse for the East course, serves seasonal food at its restaurants. CONTACT 169 Kuroiwa, Oiso, Naka, Kanagawa 259-0105, +81 4 637 2115,
lake-wood.co.jp.
bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om
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