Mukonodai: an Osamu Ueda public course in Kobe's hills

Opened on October 1, 1966, Mukonodai Golf Course lies in Kita-ku, Kobe, on a broad ridge with the Hokusetsu mountains as its backdrop. Designed by Osamu Ueda, the architect behind many of Kansai's finest clubs, it is a genuine public course of 18 holes and par 72, now operated by PGM. Curving fairways, bunkers and raised greens define the layout, and five sets of tees let both beginners and strong players find the right challenge.

Pine-lined on the way out and strategic coming home, with half a century of character.

The outward nine is framed by pine trees, while the inward half asks for well-judged, accurate shots. Rounds are self-play in GPS-equipped riding carts, there is a 200-yard practice range, and night golf is offered, a welcome option in the heat of summer. Getting there is easy without a car: a free club bus meets morning trains at JR Dojo Station on the Takarazuka Line, about five minutes away, and drivers are 15 minutes from the Chugoku Expressway's Nishinomiya-Kita interchange. That puts the course within easy reach of both Kobe and Osaka, and the historic hot-spring town of Arima Onsen is close by in the Rokko hills for a soak after the round.