Kazusa Monarch Country Club, Kimitsu-shi, Japan

http://www.kazusamonarch.com

Golfing around the world too me it is more then just sport. It is a way to know new people, new places, a way to get you on the road and live new adventures. A total experience that goes beyond the 18 holes. And playing in Japan it is, by far, one of the most incredible experiences a golfer can have.

Same game, same rules, but a totally different way to enjoy the game.

My adventure to reach Kazusa Monarch Country Club started right before sunrise in Shinjuku, where my hotel was located. A quick five minute walk to reach Shinjuku Stn, a few stops on the JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Stn. and I was ready to catch the 6,40am Aqualine Bus to Matsuoka Bus Stn. The 1,40 hrs long journey was incredible. Living Tokyo skyscrapers, village after village a totally different Japan avowed to my eyes, finding myself surrounded by rice paddies and lush forests.

Located on the Bosa Peninsula, in the Chiba Prefecture, and opened in 1984, Kazusa Monarch Country Club is the fourth Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in Japan, and considered one of the best of the country. 

Its location is spectacular and really picturesque and its layout gently follows the undulating terrain of the area. The clubhouse, and the putting green are located on the highest point of the golf course with great views on the front and back nines and the surrounding luxurious vegetation.

The course is really challenging and the day I played it was in perfect conditions. It stretches for 7020 yds through lush gently rolling fairways bordered by dense vegetation of the forest, challenging water traps, strategically placed bunkers and multi-tiered fast greens.

A masterpiece born from Nicklaus hands with some incredibly scenic holes like the 219 yds par 3 8th with a 130 foot drop from tee to green, or the 184 yds par 3 16th, a real postcard.

Some of the holes can forgive an imperfect shot, but others don't, with narrow fairways and well protected greens. 

If you'll find yourself playing here always trust your caddie's suggestions!! She has been really helpful to me playing KM for the first time.

Customer service was immaculate thanks to its friendly and professional staff and foreign golfers are more then welcome.

A special thanks goes to the club's President for the unforgettable day of golf I had.

Clubhouse entrance

Inside the clubhouse, the reception

Jack Nicklaus statue on the putting green

The Putting Green

Golden Week in Japan...pretty busy days

#1 Hole 607 yds Par 5

#1 Hole 607 yds Par 5

#1 Hole 607 yds Par 5

#2 Hole 399 yds Par 4

#3 Hole 184 yds Par 3

View from the #4 tee boxes

#4 Hole 446 yds Par 4

#4 Hole 446 yds Par 4

#4 Hole 446 yds Par 4

#7 Hole 367 yds Par 4

#8 Hole 219 yds Par 3

#8 Hole 219 yds Par 3

#9 Hole 542 yds Par 5

#9 Hole 542 yds Par 5

#9 Hole 542 yds Par 5

#10 Hole 591 yds Par 5

#11 Hole 403 yds Par 4

Panoramic View from the #11 green

#13 Hole 421 yds Par 4

#14 Hole 402 yds Par 4

#15 Hole 542 yds Par 5

#15 Hole 542 yds Par 5

#16 Hole 184 yds Par 3

#18 Hole 410 yds Par 4