GOLF’s latest ranking of the 100 best courses in the world features plenty of familiar names, from Augusta National and Pine Valley to Cypress Point and Pebble Beach. But in between these icons are lesser-known sketches with compelling designs and rich stories of their own. In this ongoing series, we will introduce you to them.
In 1930, English architect Charles Alison came ashore Tokyo by the steamer Asama Maru for a three months’ visit. In that short time, he ignited Japan’s golf spirit. Alison left his signature on four outstanding courses around Tokyo – Tokyo Golf Club, Hirono, Naruo and Kasumigaseki.
But its true masterpiece unfolds two hours south of the capital: the Fuji Course at Kawana, winding through storm-sculpted cliffs that reflect the wild beauty of Big Sur, with the sacred Mount Fuji itself rising above the clouds and visible throughout the course.
Of the many fine holes, two stand out for their blend of natural beauty and strategy.
The 7th, a mere 393-yard par 4, drops to a nesting green kissed by the dim light reflected off the ocean. from youlure hole with the promise of Alison’s putting surface direction but deep bunkers split the fairway in two, looking for a decision: the generous right gives a direct approach, albeit from a steeply sloping lie; the bolder upper left corner rewards a level lie but a subtle step over the flared bunkers.
The 15th, a 480-yard par-5, dips from a sky-high pinnacle to a fairway that approaches towering bluffs along the Pacific. The wind and slope make eagle a possibility, but the bunkers on the right push the play left toward the rocks. The undulating fairway climbs to a tight, two-tiered green, where par is a strong score.
Kawana must be played to be fully appreciated. And here’s the thing: anyone can. Unlike most of Japan’s top courses, Kawana is accessible to the public. It is part of a resort. Its sibling the Oshima Course (with a length of 5,711 yards) shares similar strategic requirements on a smaller scale and serves as an ideal warm-up or sunset companion to Fuji, creating a world-class 36-hole adventure.
Noel Freeman is a course reviewer for GOLF and Golf.com.
