West-East at Alpen Golf Club - Bibai Course

The Alpen Golf Club Bibai Course sits in central Hokkaido near the city of Bibai, a region characterized by broad agricultural plains and distant mountain views. The course was designed by Pete Dye and his son Perry Dye, bringing the family's distinctive architectural approach to Japanese golf. The Dyes are known for incorporating bold bunkering, strategic use of water, railroad ties, and dramatic visual elements that challenge golfers to think carefully about angles and risk.

The West-East routing takes advantage of the relatively flat Hokkaido terrain while creating interest through earthwork, hazard placement, and the interplay between holes moving in different directions across the property. The Dyes typically emphasize options and strategic choices rather than a single prescribed line of play, and their work in Japan often adapts their American design principles to local landscape conditions and player preferences. The course features the kind of sculpted bunkers and framing elements that define the Dye aesthetic.

Hokkaido's climate allows for a distinct golf season, with courses typically open from late spring through autumn. The region's cooler temperatures and lower humidity compared to mainland Japan create favorable playing conditions during summer months. Alpen Golf Club operates as part of the broader network of resort and daily-fee facilities that have developed across Hokkaido as the island became an increasingly popular golf destination.