Relaxed Golf Above the Saga Plain

Hinokuma Country Club sits in the hills of Kanzaki in Saga Prefecture, looking out over the broad Chikushi Plain. Opened in 1976, this 18-hole, par-72 course was laid out by Kumagai Gumi's Kyushu engineering team and uses the land's natural undulations. At 6,249 yards from the back tees it is not long, but it asks for accuracy: out-of-bounds lines many holes, water and hazards come into play on several, and Korai greens include two-tier and three-tier surfaces that demand careful putting.

A friendly home course with wide plain views, where accuracy matters more than length.

All rounds are self-play in remote-controlled riding carts, and the club welcomes individuals and groups alike, which makes it an easy, unfussy round for visitors. After golf there is a large bath in the clubhouse, and a restaurant for lunch. Kanzaki sits on the edge of the Sefuri mountains, and the wider Saga area offers hot springs, historic towns and local food that pair well with a day of golf. The course lies within 10 km of Higashi-Sefuri IC on the Nagasaki Expressway, an easy drive from Fukuoka and Fukuoka Airport, so it fits neatly into a northern Kyushu trip. There is no practice range, so arrive in time to loosen up on the putting green.