Course Design & Layout (4.7 out of 5)

Behind the design of this course is the late, great Pete Dye - a man renowned for creating so many wonderful courses all over the world. He is perhaps most famous for creating the "world's most terrifying tee shot," the par-3 17th hole of the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, an island green which claims many a victim every year at the Players Championship. It comes as no surprise that the signature hole on this course is again the 17th hole and is indeed a par-3 with an island green of between 130-150 yards. With the wind blowing off the large lake this can be quite intimidating.

Worth mentioning are the greens, which are particularly tricky on this course, not only quick but also multi-tiered, with severe contouring. With tucked pin placements on the weekend, it can make scoring difficult. However, from the white tee boxes, the course is quite short with all the par 5s reachable in 2.

We recommend visiting in April to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms which are in view on every hole on the course. 

Facilities & Services (4.1 out of 5)

The clubhouse is wide and spacious with the main lobby and restaurant roofs boasting elaborate wooden circular frames. The dressing room is well appointed with unusually large lockers, showers and baths (not onsen) available. The driving range is small, with just seven stalls and 70 yards hitting into nets. There is a large practice green and chipping area to the rear of the clubhouse. 

Food & Beverage (3.9 out of 5)

Lunch options at the clubhouse consist of staples like katsu (pork cutlet) curry, a marbled tofu set, tempura, noodles, and fried chicken. There is also a small izakaya-styled restaurant at the lodging facility where you can grab dinner, while a breakfast of grilled salmon, rice, and miso soup is on offer at the clubhouse. The BBQ facilities next to the lodges are a lot of fun and on a clear night, the scenery is spectacular.

Value for money (5 out of 5)

Midweek golf is just ¥5,800 per person, and on weekends it costs ¥12,800 including lunch. Play-and-stay packages in the lodge include 18 holes and 3 meals at just ¥14,800 midweek and ¥21,300 on weekends.  

It's undeniable that the cost performance at Shin-Seizansou Country Club is hard to beat.