Phoenix (Takachiho & Sumiyoshi)

Phoenix Country Club is located within the Phoenix Seagaia Resort on the Hitotsuba Pacific Coast and Kokichi Ohashi set out the original 18-hole course in 1971.

A further nine holes – named Nichinan – were subsequently added but it’s the Takachiho and Sumiyoshi 9-hole circuits that still comprise the premier 18-hole course at Phoenix.

Unfortunately, although the resort lies next to the Hyuga-nada Sea, it’s not imbued with any of the characteristics of a links because the fairways have been routed through an undulating landscape of pine groves.

The Dunlop Phoenix Tournament has been a fixture on the Japan Golf Tour since 1974 and most of the top players in the world have competed here in the event.

Notable multiple winners include Seve Ballesteros (1977, 1981), Tom Watson (1980, 1997) and Tiger Woods (2004, 2005).