Hit the Links in Hokkaido
Experience two of the northernmost prefecture’s top golf courses.
Although Hokkaido is celebrated as a winter wonderland, warmer months in the prefecture offer a wide range of activities to enjoy—including a round of golf.
And perhaps two of the best places to tee off in this scenic region are Hokkaido Brooks Country Club and Gozensui Golf Club.
Hokkaido Brooks Country Club is a premier course, designed and overseen by Ed Snead and Taizo Kawada, that seamlessly integrates with its natural environment. The course’s 18 lush holes stretch over an expansive area of 500,000 square meters that showcase the best of Hokkaido’s landscapes.
Brooks stands out for providing a completely different experience in its first and second halves: the in course is links style, while the out course is very strategic. Its naturally undulating fairways present challenges much like natural hazards, but each hole’s optimal route is marked, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf. Visitors can choose to walk the course or use an electric-powered cart.
The course maintains tournament-level putting surfaces thanks to its use of 777 turf, which is known for its durability and consistent quality. Named Japan’s best golf course in the 2017 World Golf Awards, Brooks has hosted several well-known tournaments and is extremely popular with advanced golfers and even professional-level competitors.
After their game, visitors can enjoy a diverse menu at the clubhouse restaurant that features produce from around Hokkaido, including fresh lamb jingisukan. They can also relax in the club’s luxurious VIP room, large bathing area and sauna.
FLYING START
Gozensui Golf Club offers an equally captivating location for a day on the greens, set amid forests and flowing streams. Designed by Isamu Doi, the course features impressive holes on both its inward and outward halves. Particular standouts are the 13th hole, a challenging left dogleg par 4 that features a large pond on the left side, and the 17th hole, a 402-yard par 4. Like Brooks, Gozensui uses the same 777 turf on its greens, which ensures that tournament-level quality and high-speed putting are always maintained. A highly strategic woodland course that beautifully incorporates its natural surroundings, it is relatively flat and wide, making it quite popular with women and older golfers.
Hole 13 at Gozensui Golf Club
Following a round of golf, players can unwind in the sauna and dine at Gozensui’s clubhouse restaurant, which overlooks the green of the ninth hole and is surrounded by the tranquil primeval forests of Hokkaido. The menu features a wide range of prefectural delicacies, served alongside an array of beverages.
Both Brooks and Gozensui are conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. Thanks to their stunning natural surroundings and thoughtful design, they are ideal destinations for golf enthusiasts making a dedicated trip to hit the links in Hokkaido or fitting in a round right before or after a flight.
To make a reservation at either course, contact Hironori Kuroda at 080-3726-8021 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and tell him you are a Club Member.
Hokkaido Brooks Country Club
www.brooks-c.com/en
Gozensui Golf Club
www.gozensui-gc.com/en
Top Image: Hole 12 at Hokkaido Brooks Country Club
