Shinanodai Country Club

Shinanodai Country Club is a 36-hole hillside layout in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, divided into two distinct nines with different personalities. The front nine plays longer and relatively flat, suiting big hitters who want to open up their game. The back nine introduces more elevation change and brings water into play, with carry shots required at holes 12 and 16. Tee-shot placement is the key to scoring throughout — where the ball lands off the tee largely determines what follows. A few holes stand out. The 14th is short and offers a genuine birdie chance. The 15th, by contrast, is loaded with hazards and can quickly damage a scorecard. Both the 9th and 18th are par-5s that play uphill. The 9th is wide and generous, and the distance is manageable, so there is no need to force anything. The 18th is a different matter — without real length off the tee, making par here is a tough ask.