Naruo Golf Club

About the club

The original 18-hole course at Naruo Golf Club was laid out in 1920 on what had been a racing ground, but today's course is largely the work of Charles H. Alison during his extended trip to Japan in 1930. Naruo is classic Alison, in particular the deep bunkering that frames the fairways and greens. Those greens are mainly elevated, with the thick rough taking the place of sand on some holes. Measuring a relatively modest 6020 meters, the course features proportionately diminutive greens, which arrangement places a premium on a careful approach. The layout has remained pretty much the same over the years; even the Korai grass greens have gone unchanged, which makes for slow putts. The club's vintage feel is consistent with its aging membership, so a visit becomes a voyage into the way the game used to be played in Japan, and is not to be missed.