Aki Country Club

Aki Country Club is a 36-hole hillside course in Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, set across gently rolling terrain framed by pine and cedar trees, with five ponds adding strategic interest throughout. On the front nine, the pond behind the 1st green punishes any overshoot, making a controlled approach from short of the flag the smarter play. The 4th is a mid-length hole played downhill from an elevated tee, while the 5th demands a climbing drive around a right-to-left dogleg. The back nine raises the challenge further. The 11th plays uphill with added length to test club selection. The 13th crosses water before bending left, and attempting to cut the corner over the pines on the left brings real risk. A patient, composed round is rewarded here.