Taiheiyo Club - Yachiyo
Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo is the perfect blend of a Japanese golf experience with the convenience of location and a playthrough style.
Taiheiyo Yachiyo 16th. A winding Par 5 with the two green system.
Taiheiyo Club has recently increased its portfolio with the addition of the newly purchased Yachiyo course. The property is situated just 47 kilometres from the centre of Tokyo in the Chiba prefecture. Those who understand golf in Japan will quickly realise how special this addition is considering its close proximity to the nation’s capital, cutting down travel time considerably. What is also exciting is the playing style that has been adopted at Taiheiyo Clubs newest acquisition.
The toughest hole on the course. The 15th @ Taiheiyo Yachiyo.
The official opening of the new Yachiyo course took place on April 4th 2020 which saw a fantastic reception from both members and guests. It was such a success that members are now flocking to the Yachiyo property to play both midweek and weekends. The main reason for its immediate traction is its location and the decision by Taiheiyo Clubs management to implement a playthrough style. A one hour break between each nine has always been part of the golfing culture in Japan but this new style has seen a dramatic uptick in interest.
The objective behind the purchase of the Yachiyo course and its playthrough style was to entice busy members the opportunity to play golf midweek mornings, with the notion of them being back in the office by lunchtime. Personally, I prefer the idea of working in the morning and booking a tee time in the early afternoon which Yachiyo has also made possible.
Taiheiyo Yachiyo 5th hole. A good drive will leave a slightly uphill second.
Previously named Yachiyo Golf Club this gem has been transformed into a first-class facility. The clubhouse has been totally renovated and the CEO of Taiheiyo Club, Mr Shun Han, has created more than a new facility but an aspirational destination for members and guests. The restaurant’s chef, Mr. Takeshi Kobayashi, has created a Cantonese inspired menu that is the equal the 2 star Michelin rating he received for his Chinese restaurant in Tokyo.
The stunning wine cellar can be viewed as you enter the restaurant and has such a vast selection that you will easily find a bottle to pair beautifully with all the selections on the menu. The restaurant and lounge area, which both overlook the 18th hole, is the perfect location to relax after lunch and have a whisky from the fine selection available.
Whisky anyone?
Before you leave make sure you check out the in house “Select the Club” pro which is opposite the registration desk. The selection of logo goods and bespoke products is worth a browse.
A large starters house has been built between the 1st and 10th tees which is something of a new phenomenon in Japan. This brand new facility has 10 outdoor (undercover) tables and a handful indoor for players who are playing through. Each group is given a 10 to 15 minutes break between each 9 to sit and have a quick bite and a coffee before embarking on the back 9. In the centre of the building is a large hitting bay that has a trackman device installed. Golfers can demo any of the vast selection of clubs in the simulator and management also encourage players to take the clubs onto the course for trial. The starters house is also the perfect location for an afterparty where golfers can congregate around the simulator and enjoy catered food and drinks. Its also just a really nice place to hang out.
The starters hut at Taiheiyo Yachiyo. Great F and B, Trackman and a great demo program inside.
The course opened in 1961 and has recently undergone some light reconstruction which has made this walking course a real treat. The layout has a nice amount of undulation and is everything you would expect from a traditional Japanese golf course. Most would consider a par of 72 and only 6,251 yards from the tips an easy or short course. Take it from me, the course plays much harder than the yardage may suggest. The small and undulating greens are tricky surfaces and the popular Japanese design element of trees sitting in fairways makes this golf course so much fun from start to finish. Taiheiyo venues are known for the pristine conditions of fairways and greens and this course will not disappoint. The courses strength are the short and interesting par 4 holes. The newly constructed par 3 penultimate hole is a great example of why we all love well designed short holes.
The wine selection available in the newly renovated clubhouse at Taiheiyo Yachiyo.
Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo is about the only course in Japan that you can play and be back in your Tokyo hotel by lunchtime. I do however recommend a trip to the restaurant after golf as the dining experience will surpass all of your expectations. Maybe a couple of cheeky Japanese whiskies to finish could be the right way to cap off the full Taiheiyo experience.
Lunch is usually included in the green fees. Chinese and Japanese food is on the menu.
The basics
Address 2834 Yonamoto, Yachiyo, Chiba 276-0015
Train station Katsutadai Station
Shuttle services Free Hourly shuttle services from Katsutadai Station to Taiheiyo Club Yachiyo.
Starting at 7 am.
Return shuttles to Katsudai station after play from 12:30 pm till the end of the
play. (Bookings required).
Taxi cost From Tokyo central to Taiheiyo Yachiyo approx. 12,000 JPY
Caddies available Yes. Approximately 22 caddies are available daily.
Trolley hire Yes. Inclusive of the green fee.
Practise area Yes. 7 x short-range hitting bays.
Short game area Yes. Short game facility including 2 putting greens, bunker, pitching and
chipping area.
Drive buggies Yes. 10 drive carts are available but must be booked prior.
5,500 JPY per buggy (2 seaters)
Green fees Weekday without caddie 14,200 JPY (including tax)
Weekday with caddie 18,050 JPY
Weekend without caddie 25,950 JPY
Weekend with caddie 29,800 JPY