Valley golf on the upper Ayukawa River

Tucked into the hills above Fujioka in southwestern Gunma, Ace Golf Course sits along the upper reaches of the Ayukawa River, surrounded by forested valley scenery. The 18-hole, par-72 layout opened in 1989 as Sunfield Golf Club, designed by Michio Izumi with Ken Omi, and stretches to 6,750 yards. After closing in 2021 it reopened as a fully self-service, American-style course, where you load your own bag onto a riding cart and set your own rhythm. The hilly terrain brings moderate elevation changes, and the bent greens are known for staying in good condition through the year.

A quiet riverside valley where you play at your own pace, with nothing but the hills for company.

This is relaxed, no-frills golf: no caddies, just a well-kept course in a peaceful corner of Gunma. Approach and bunker practice areas let you warm up your short game, and rental clubs and shoes make it easy to come without gear. The course is about 25 km from the Fujioka interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway, so a car is the practical way in. Fujioka and nearby Takasaki make a good base, and Gunma's famous onsen towns are within reach for an overnight stay. Note that the course closes on Mondays and can shut on short notice for snow or fog in winter.