Curves and Ponds in the Hills of Ono

Rosewood Golf Club opened in November 1993 near Ono in Hyogo Prefecture and is now run by Accordia Golf. Mitsuaki Kobayashi designed the 18-hole, par-71 course, which measures 6,043 yards, using an "R philosophy" that favours flowing curves over straight lines. Natural ponds are everywhere, including a large one in front of the clubhouse, so the course is pretty to look at but needs careful thought on many shots. All play is self-play, with GPS-equipped carts that can go onto the fairway for a fee.

A relaxed, water-laced layout where every fairway bends with the land.

The manageable length makes Rosewood a friendly choice for casual rounds and group outings. Bent-grass greens and a short-game practice area complete the setup. Ono is known across Japan for its traditional hand-forged knives and tools, and the surrounding Banshu countryside of Miki, a historic hardware town, and Kato makes a good half-day of sightseeing. The course is only about five minutes from the Sanyo Expressway's Miki-Ono interchange, so it is an easy day trip from Kobe or Osaka by car.