8.4

Koga Golf Club

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
1953
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
Year Round
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
163
?
CADDIES
Available
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10
City
Koga

Score

8.4
Design
40%
8.4
Conditions
25%
8.8
Desirability
15%
8.3
Scenery
10%
7.8
Fun
5%
7.8
Uniqueness
5%
7.5

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 146

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10

7
15

Walkability Hard

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
135
$
163
$
191
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Koga Golf Club has hosted several major domestic tournaments, including the Japan Open, contributing to its reputation as one of Japan’s most respected private members’ clubs.

About

Koga Golf Club is a prestigious and private 18-hole course located in Fukuoka’s coastal pine forest, designed by Osamu Ueda in 1953. The course is famous for its strategic parkland design, challenging layout, and championship pedigree, having hosted numerous prominent tournaments in Japan. The tree-lined fairways, pure greens, and refined setting have made Koga a favorite of low-handicap golfers and elite amateurs.

Caddie Tip

Bring your best approach game—Koga’s greens are fast and subtly contoured, so aim for the correct quadrant on every green. The opening holes reward accuracy off the tee, and the finish demands smart course management to avoid the deep pine rough and challenging bunkers near the greens.

The Main Challenge

The biggest challenge at Koga is contending with the quick and undulating greens, which place a premium on precise approach shots and lag putting. The dense pine forest lining every fairway penalizes wayward drives, and strategically placed bunkers tighten landing areas, especially on the back nine.

The Good

Golfers praise the sheer quality of the layout, especially the sense of seclusion and tranquility created by the dense pine forest. The traditional parkland routing and smooth, quick greens create a memorable test that stands out even among Japan’s best clubs. Koga is loved for its pure golf experience and championship history.

The Not So Good

Securing a tee time is a significant challenge for non-members, and visitor play is restricted. Some feedback mentions that the coastal humidity can affect comfort during the hottest months. Improvements to expanded practice facilities and more visitor access could increase enjoyment.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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Could not find info

Clubhouse

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Expect elegant Japanese clubhouse style with locker rooms, showers, and a traditional restaurant serving local fare. Meeting rooms and private dining are available for members. There’s also a pro shop and attentive staff offering full-service guest treatment.

Practice Facilities

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The club offers a covered driving range and multiple short game and bunker areas, all maintained to high standards. The putting green is fast and well-kept, providing a good preview of course conditions. Space is somewhat limited compared to larger resort clubs, but the essentials are of high quality.

Dress Code:

Prestigious

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

Japan