Iris Country Club

Iris Country Club sits in the Yamagata district of Hiroshima Prefecture, a region characterized by rolling terrain and forested hillsides typical of western Honshu's inland areas. The course represents a collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Japanese architect Usui Shigeru, reflecting the period when Palmer's design firm was actively engaged in projects throughout Japan during the country's golf boom. This partnership brought together Palmer's American design sensibilities with Usui's understanding of Japanese topography and golfer preferences. The routing takes advantage of the natural elevation changes found in this part of Hiroshima, with holes moving through valleys and along ridgelines. The layout incorporates the wooded landscape common to the region, where courses are often carved through pine and deciduous forests. Design elements typical of Palmer's work—strategic bunkering, generous landing areas balanced by demanding approach shots, and greens with meaningful contour—are adapted to the site's characteristics. Iris Country Club serves the Hiroshima golf market, which includes both recreational players and corporate members. The club operates within the traditional Japanese country club model, where membership structures and guest policies differ from Western norms. The facility includes the amenities expected at established Japanese clubs, with dining and bathing facilities that reflect local hospitality customs. The course remains part of the broader golf infrastructure in Hiroshima Prefecture, a region with numerous layouts serving the area's golfing population.