A modern test near Yokawa IC, with wicker baskets instead of flags

Yokawa Inter Golf Club MECHA lies in Yokawa-cho, Miki City, just three minutes from Yokawa IC on the Chugoku Expressway. Designed by Taisei Corporation's design team with Y's Contour Magic, the 18-hole, par-72 course reaches 6,820 yards from the Black tees, and every hole has five tee sets so all levels can find the right challenge. In a nod to Scotland, wicker baskets replace the usual flags, and the club prides itself on conditioning good enough that touring pros practise here in the off-season.

Relaxed rules, serious golf, and greens that keep you honest.

Expect uphill and downhill approaches, undulating greens (the 14th is the trickiest), a valley left of the 13th, cross bunkers on the 9th and a pond beside the 18th green. There is no dress code, singles can book online, and a café serves players through the day. Miki is one of Japan's great golf towns, and the Arima Onsen hot springs and Kobe's harbour and dining are within easy reach, making this a simple half-day from Osaka or Kobe, both about 30 minutes away by car.