Logo
Panel background

Horai

Tochigi, Japan

Want to play
Have played

Located next to Nishinasuno Golf Club, the course at Horai Country Club is a 1990 Robert von Hagge-design that twists and turns through forested terrain where doglegs are aplenty and the green complexes often large, undulating and very tricky to read. It’s a clever amalgam of modern and classic design.

Overall rating

Gallery image

Horai

Horai Country Club: A Winding Masterpiece Where Modernity Meets Nature
Located in the scenic Nasushiobara region of Tochigi prefecture, Japan, Horai Country Club stands as a testament to the genius of renowned golf course architect Robert von Hagge. Established in 1990, this 18-hole championship course meanders through a verdant tapestry of forested terrain, offering golfers a breathtaking and challenging experience.

Hagge's vision for Horai was a unique blend of modern design elements and classic golfing principles. He masterfully sculpted the course around the existing natural landscape, resulting in a layout that feels both organic and meticulously crafted.

Here are some highlights that make Horai Country Club truly special:

Twisting and Turning Fairways: Prepare to navigate a labyrinth of doglegs, each demanding strategic shot selection and precise execution. No two holes are alike, keeping you engaged and mentally stimulated throughout your round.

Undulating Greens: Forget predictable putting – Horai's greens are as diverse as the surrounding forest. Expect multi-tiered complexes, subtle slopes, and hidden breaks that will test your reading skills and finesse on the green.

Forest Symphony: Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Nasushiobara wilderness. Towering trees canopy the fairways, casting dappled sunlight and offering a welcome respite from the summer heat. The constant chirping of birds and rustling leaves provides a natural soundtrack to your round.

Classic Meets Modern: Hagge's masterful touch seamlessly blends modern design elements like strategic bunkering and water hazards with classic golfing principles like risk-and-reward opportunities and shot variety. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a budding enthusiast, Horai offers a challenge that will both test your skills and leave you wanting more.

Beyond its captivating layout, Horai Country Club boasts exceptional practice facilities, a luxurious clubhouse, and impeccable service. From the meticulously manicured greens to the breathtaking mountain vistas, every detail is designed to provide a golfing experience unlike any other.

Whether you're seeking a championship-caliber challenge or a scenic escape amidst nature, Horai Country Club promises to be a round you'll never forget. So grab your clubs, tee off into the vibrant greenery, and prepare to be captivated by this enchanting masterpiece of modern and classic golf design.

Getting there

Horai

World Top 100 Golf Courses

The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings

  1. Cypress Point Club

    California, United States

  2. Pine Valley Golf Club

    New Jersey, United States

  3. Royal County Down (Championship)

    Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

  4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

    New York, United States

  5. National Golf Links of America

    New York, United States

Explore All

Other Great Courses Nearby