Phoenix Country Club (Takachiho and Sumiyoshi)

Japanese designer Ohashi Kokichi laid out the original championship course here at the Phoenix Country Club, on the seaside not far outside Miyazaki, in 1971; another nine was subsequently built on the grounds, but the Takachiho+Sumiyoshi remains the premier eighteen. The Dunlop Phoenix Tournament has been held here repeatedly almost since the club opened; this fall competition has brought in many of the world's best golfers, among them Tom Watson, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. The club has grown gradually but steadily over the years; in addition to the extra nine, a large resort hotel now graces the site. The one possible disappointment for visitors is the fact that, though the course is near the ocean, it in no way resembles a links, in part because the trees that were planted to help prevent erosion of the beach have matured to lend more of a woodland feel to the surroundings.