Sasson Golf Club

Overview: Sasson Golf Club, the current English-facing name for Sapporo Golf Club’s Asari course, sits above Otaru with wide views towards the Sea of Japan. The official operator describes a dynamic mountain layout by Osamu Ueda, whose carefully placed undulations create a strategic round instead of a simple uphill walk. The current course data gives 18 holes, par 71 and 6,485 yards. The scorecard’s unusual par split, with a par-35 Out and par-36 In, is part of the course’s character, as are the long views from the upper holes.

History: Construction of the 18-hole course began in 1964, and the official history records the project, Ueda’s design and the 6,485-yard specification. Current course information dates the opening to 15 September 1965. The club later became associated with efforts to improve turf and course conditions, including cooperation with Hokkaido agricultural researchers. That background helps explain why Sasson is more than a scenic Otaru resort course: it has a documented mid-century design and maintenance history.

Did You Know? The current course guide notes that the 18th hole was used for a scene in the film Oribe Kinjiro, where a character shouts for a birdie. The hole is a 523-yard par five from the championship tee and climbs towards the green, so its appeal is not only cinematic. The 16th also looks out towards the bay, giving the closing stretch a combination of elevation, distance and ocean scenery.