Pete Dye's first Japanese course, with a Scottish soul

PGM Maria Golf Links opened in December 1992 in the quiet countryside of Kisarazu, Chiba, and holds a special place in Japanese golf as the first course Pete Dye designed in the country. The 18-hole, par-72 layout reaches 6,833 yards from the black tees and is built on gently rolling terrain with a links-style feel. Expect Dye's trademarks: boldly undulating greens, big hazards, lakes and deep bunkers that demand a plan on every tee.

Strategy over strength, the way Pete Dye intended.

Caddies are available for those who want local help reading the bent greens, or you can go self-play with GPS-equipped riding carts. Thanks to the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, Kisarazu is one of the quickest golf escapes from Tokyo and Haneda Airport, and the area rewards an overnight stay: Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu is nearby, the clam-digging beaches and seafood restaurants of the Tokyo Bay shore are a short drive away, and the hills of the Boso Peninsula hide quiet hot-spring inns and fine autumn colours. A good choice for golfers who enjoy a thinking-player's course.