Izu Ohito Country Club

The Hakone Course at Izu Ohito Country Club occupies terrain in Izunokuni, situated in the northern reaches of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. Designed by Izumi Ikkai, the course takes its name from the nearby Hakone region, known for its mountainous topography and volcanic geology. The layout reflects the characteristic terrain of this part of Japan, where courses typically navigate slopes and elevation changes within forested settings. The Izu Peninsula's position southwest of Tokyo has made it a traditional destination for golf development, with courses often carved into hillsides that offer views toward surrounding peaks and valleys. The routing works with the natural contours of the land, a common approach in Japanese course architecture where dramatic topography often dictates design possibilities. Players encounter changes in elevation throughout the round, with holes that climb, descend, or traverse slopes. The design incorporates the native vegetation and tree cover typical of the region, framing holes and defining playing corridors. Strategic interest comes from the interaction between the rolling terrain and shot placement, where angles and positioning matter on approach shots to greens set at various elevations. Izu Ohito Country Club operates as a members' facility, following the traditional Japanese private club model. The Hakone Course serves as one of the club's offerings in a region where golf has long been popular among Tokyo-area members seeking weekend retreats. The course provides a representative example of Japanese golf design from its era, balancing the challenges of mountain terrain with playability for a range of skill levels.