Itoshima's Elegant Strategic Test

The Queen's Hill Golf Club opened in November 1992 on rolling land in Itoshima, west of Fukuoka city. Designed by Akira Hattori with course advice from Japanese golf legend Ayako Okamoto, its 18 holes play to par 72 and reach 7,054 yards from the professional tees. It is a strategic, elegant layout where water and out-of-bounds come into play on many holes, bunkers are plentiful and greens are often tiered or raised — with USGA-spec sand greens that putt with bent-like quality. The 18th offers a view back across the whole course, and the museum-like clubhouse matches the refined mood.

A course shaped by Ayako Okamoto's eye, played the traditional way with a caddie.

Every round here includes a caddie, which makes Queen's Hill a classic Japanese club experience, finished with a soak in the large bath and lunch in a restaurant serving Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes. Visitors are welcome but must send in an entry sheet before the booking is confirmed. Itoshima itself is one of Kyushu's favourite escapes, with beaches, seaside cafés and fresh seafood, while Tenjin's food stalls are only about 25 minutes away by car. Fukuoka Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive, making it an easy round to add to a Fukuoka city stay. Note the club closes on Mondays.