COURSE INFORMATON

Gotemba became one of Japan's world-class tournament courses through a design by internationally-renowned golf course designer Reese Jones, overseen by pro golfer Hideki Matsuyama

The Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters is a golf tournament that has always attracted golf enthusiasts. Numerous top players, including Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal, Masashi Ozaki, and Hideki Matsuyama, have been crowned among the tournament's long line of champions. Originally designed by master course designer Shunsuke Kato, the Gotemba Course has been the home of the tournament since its establishment in 1977 at the foot of sacred Mt.Fuji. In November 2001, the course was selected as the site for the World Golf Championship EMC World Cup, bringing together a total of 48 superstar players representing 24 different countries at the site. On the final day of the tournament, Tiger Woods joined the U.S. team with David Duval and showed an impressive chip-in eagle on the final 18th hole. This miraculous shot was broadcast all over the world, instantly making the Taiheiyo Club known globally.
In 2018, the course underwent its first complete renovation in the 17 years since 2001. The renovation was designed by Reese Jones, or “The Open Doctor,” a world-renowned course designer and brother of Robert Trent Jones Jr. Reese believes in "restoration"* and has remodeled over 220 courses, including seven U.S. Open courses and eight U.S. PGA Championship courses. In addition, the project brought in Matsuyama Hideki, a pro golfer with extensive knowledge of top-tier tournament courses both in Japan and around the globe, to supervise the design. With the help of these two geniuses, the Gotemba Course has been transformed into a world-class tournament course. 
We have transitioned from a time when the level of difficulty was determined by distance to one where the shapes of hazards, such as bunkers and ponds, are key. In this renovation, the tee shot intercross-section point was changed to the current tournament standard of 280 yards, all the bunkers were rebuilt from scratch, and a number of changes were made to the formations around the greens as well as the shapes of water hazards. Moreover, trees were cut down broadly and strategically to create an even more beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. Even if you do not notice any difference right away, you will gradually understand the strategic nature of the course as you continue to play.
*Restoration: Refers to the process of respecting the original design of a golf course and preserving its spirit while making necessary modifications to accommodate today’s modern game, such as advancements in equipment and increased distance.

Grand opening: October 1, 2018

Major Tournaments:
 1977– Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters

2001 World Golf Championship EMC World Cup

2020– Maruhan Cup Taiheiyo Club Senior

Course Outline

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