Niseko (Fukui) ***
The nearby Fukui course (aka “Arnold Palmer Hidden Course”) is an ugly sister to the Village. This is what one would expect a golf course built on a ski resort to look like, and whilst the sharp elevation changes are certainly dramatic, they are perhaps overdone. Penal rough awaits the wayward shot that doesn’t find the ever-present out-of-bounds meaning this isn’t a course for the weekend hacker. Walking this course would be exhausting just with one’s clubs, but with the bucket of balls one would need, a cart is essential. That said, for the accomplished golfer this may well represent the best value on the island. Painful as it is, Fukui offers a good contrast to Village; being a mental sharpener in case one has been lulled into a false sense of security by its pleasant sibling.
Par: 72 Yardage: 6,805
Contact: www.niseko-village.com
Toya Lake Hill Golf Club ****
Slightly further out is this great facility, with four separate nines offering numerous combinations. It is 90 minutes from Niseko, but the journey itself offers superb views of the countryside. This course is situated high above its namesake lake, and the vistas are out of this world. Nakajima Island sits in the centre of the lake with numerous smaller islets dotted around, and ever present are Mount Usu and Mount Showashinzan. With the crisp clean air, it’s a heady mix. Also look out for the picturesque log cabin tea house on your way around. As ever, elevation changes make club selection difficult, and longer than expected rolls from tee shots bring danger into play. Let the atmosphere sink in, take it easy with your driver and this becomes a great place to play.
Par: 72 Yardage: 7,136
Pages
Click here to see the published article.
