British design beneath the Nikko mountains

Kanuma Premier Golf Club sits near the foot of sacred Mt. Komine in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture. The course opened in October 1986 and was designed by British architect David Thomas. It is an 18-hole, par-72 layout of 6,892 yards from the back tees. Although it is a hill course, the elevation change is only about 15 meters, so it plays almost flat. Subtle undulations run through the fairways, and five ponds are placed across the holes. The club describes it as a challenging, high-quality course.

Gentle fairways and watchful ponds, with the Nikko range on the horizon.

On clear days the Nikko mountains spread out across the skyline, and GPS-equipped carts can drive onto most fairways. The on-site lodge makes it easy to stay overnight and play two rounds. Kanuma borders Nikko, so the UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, Lake Chuzenji and the hot springs of Kinugawa are all within easy reach. The town is also known for Kanuma Autumn Festival floats and autumn foliage across the surrounding hills. By train, take the Tobu Nikko Line to Shin-Kanuma Station, where the club runs a reserved shuttle bus. Drivers can reach the course in about 20 km from Kanuma IC on the Tohoku Expressway.