Shimonoseki Golf Club (A)

Overview: Shimonoseki Golf Club is a coastal links in Toyoura, Yamaguchi, where white sand, pine woodland and the blue waters of Hibikinada frame the holes. The official club information lists 18 holes, par 72 and 7,002 yards from the back tees. Its character comes from the natural pine landscape and the exposed seaside setting, with strategic lines that reward careful positioning as much as distance.

History: The club was founded in the early 1950s, and Osamu Ueda was commissioned to design the course in 1953 after the original site was judged unsuitable. A temporary nine-hole course opened before the first nine at the present coastal site was completed in July 1956. Work to expand the layout to 18 holes began in 1959. The course later hosted the 1997 Japan Amateur and the 2002 Japan Open, and the club has continued to update its grasses and facilities.

Did You Know? A remnant of a Mongol-invasion defensive wall stands near the middle of the first hole. The opening hole also looks towards Hibikinada and was used as a par four during the 2002 Japan Open, adding a piece of local history to the first tee.