Taiheiyo Gotemba at Taiheiyo Club - Gotemba Course

Taiheiyo Gotemba, nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, stands as a testament to Japan's embrace of championship golf. This modern course, a verdant tapestry carved from the rolling terrain of Gotemba, presents a stark contrast to the volcanic landscape that dominates the horizon. Wide fairways encourage aggressive play off the tee, but subtly contoured greens and strategically placed bunkers demand thoughtful approach shots. The course rewards players who can shape their shots, favoring those who can work the ball both ways to navigate the doglegs that often skirt the towering pines.

Designed by Shunsuke Kato, Taiheiyo Gotemba hosted the prestigious Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters for decades, a proving ground where legends like Tiger Woods have tested their mettle against a demanding layout. The course’s formidable length, particularly on the back nine, contributed to its reputation as a ball-strikers paradise, favoring power and precision equally.

Taiheiyo Gotemba, while not universally recognized on a global scale, holds a distinguished place within Japanese golf. The club’s membership is known for its passionate and discerning golfers, many of whom relish the challenge of conquering a course that demands both brute strength and strategic finesse.

Beyond the golf, the club is known for its post-round celebrations centered around regional delicacies, including the Shizuoka green tea. This ritual, blending camaraderie with the region’s rich culinary heritage, offers a quintessential Japanese golfing experience.