ABC Golf Club

Three key characteristics

• Eighteen holes, 7,235 yards from the championship tees and par 72, with meaningful long-game demands.
• Ninety bunkers and 12 ponds shape generous fairways into clear strategic choices.
• Every group plays with a caddie and five-seat cart; the club hosted the 52nd Mynavi ABC Championship in 2023.

Course overview

ABC Golf Club sits in Kato, Hyogo. Its fairways look expansive, but the available width is never the whole strategic story. Bunker groups and ponds influence the preferred landing zone, the stance for the next shot and the angle into the green. The scale, service model and tournament history all create a more formal member-club pace.

Terrain and layout

The hilly 18-hole layout measures 3,616 yards out and 3,619 in from the championship tees, for 7,235 yards in total. Back tees are 6,740 yards and regular tees 6,342. Broad corridors offer several possible lines, yet 90 bunkers and 12 ponds narrow the genuinely useful space at driving distance and around the greens.

Strategy and difficulty

Length is most apparent on the longer par fours and par fives that require a planned second shot. Bunker placement creates a recurring choice between a safer but longer route and a bolder line with a better approach angle. Water affects both penalty risk and visual commitment. Caddie guidance on landing areas and the day's pins is more valuable than simply chasing distance.

Key facts

Region

Kansai

Location

Kato, Hyogo

Holes

18 holes / par 72

Par

72

Total yardage

7,235 yards

Opening year

1 October 1985

Cart

five-seat riding carts

Caddie

All groups caddied

Course style

Hilly championship course

Terrain

Hilly course

Tee information

Back 6,740 yd; Regular 6,342 yd; Ladies 5,596 yd

Facilities

All groups caddied with five-seat riding carts

Visitor conditions

Member introduction required; member accompaniment required on weekends and holidays. Reconfirm current terms before booking.

Why play

• Choose ABC for a clear taste of caddied Japanese member-club golf and a layout that tests the full bag without feeling visually confined. It is especially compelling for experienced players, corporate groups and itineraries that need one recognisable championship venue as their centrepiece.

Playing format and facilities

The official guide states that every group is caddied and uses a five-seat riding cart. That structure helps first-time visitors understand landing areas, pins and pace of play. Rental-club inventory is limited and requires advance reservation; rental shoes are not available, so equipment planning should be completed before travel.

History, tournaments and distinction

Opened in 1985, ABC has a long association with the ABC series of men's professional events. JGTO records confirm that the 52nd Mynavi ABC Championship was held here in 2023 at 7,217 yards and par 72, with Keita Nakajima winning the title.

Venue for the 52nd Mynavi ABC Championship in 2023; JGTO event setup 7,217 yards, Par 72

Miramar assessment

A tournament-style course worthy of being the anchor round. The generous visual scale welcomes players, but bunkers, water and full championship length reward complete shot quality. It suits golfers with on-course experience; mixed-ability groups should choose tees carefully and allow time for arrival, practice and clubhouse procedures.

Route planning

Road access from Hyogo-Tojo IC is the most direct. A complimentary scheduled taxi operates from JR Shin-Sanda Station by reservation, taking about 20 minutes. The club's road estimates are about one hour from Itami or Kobe airports and about one hour 40 minutes from Kansai Airport, subject to traffic.