Katayamazu (Hakusan)

The Hakusan course debuted in 1959, followed by the Kaga in 1971, with the Nihoukia last to appear. Host venue for the 85th Japan Amateur in 2000 and the 69th Japan Open in 2004, the Hakusan layout has since been upgraded by Shunsuke Kato.

Measuring 7,118 yards from the championship tees and playing to a par of 72, the Hakusan is configured as two returning nines which wind their way round a gently undulating landscape, with playing corridors carved through a dense coastal forest.

Highlight holes include the 453-yard, slightly right doglegged 8th, played to a raised green that’s fronted by bunkers and backed by pine trees, and the par three 17th, where the green is protected by a small pond to the front left of the putting surface.