Jack Nicklaus in the hills of Okazaki

Tucked into the hills east of Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture, The Medallion Club Okazaki Course opened in November 1995 (originally as Sun Bellgravia CC) to a design by Jack Nicklaus. Its 18 par-72 holes spread across a bowl-shaped slope with some 150 metres of elevation change, yet the drop is taken up between holes, so most fairways play relatively flat. Bentgrass greens, many tee options and a JGA-certified 6,997 yards from the black tees make it a stern test or a friendly round, depending on where you start.

Nicklaus offers a safe road and a bold one, and dares you to take the shortcut.

Several holes give a choice between a safer route and a riskier direct line, and the finish is memorable: the signature 18th runs alongside water down its entire right side, with a carry needed to reach the green. Afterwards there is a hot-spring bath and Japanese, Western and Chinese dining in the clubhouse. Okazaki itself is the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with its castle park, cherry blossoms in spring and the famous Hatcho miso breweries. The club is about 20 minutes from the Tomei Expressway's Okazaki IC, or 10 minutes by taxi from Meitetsu Hon-juku Station.