Hirono

BEST OF THE BEST!

Today we played at Hirono Golf Club. Billed as the "Augusta of Japan" it did not disappoint us

In front of the 9th green with the Clubhouse in the background

Hirono can best be described as a "classic" golf course. No tricks; what you see is what you get, but everything is done just right.  The Scottish interior of the clubhouse seems somehow to fit, even in Japan. The facilities are nice, but more like San Francisco Golf than newer, glitzier clubs. Each hole has its own challenges and each is different.

As seems to be the case at each course in Japan, the Par 3's standout.

I birdied this one!!

Only managed a par here

As you've probably noticed from the pictures, even though it's the middle of April, the rough and fairways still show winter-like conditions. They had a lot of snow this winter and they say that's why the grass is late growing in.

As usual, the caddies today were great.

Each lady caddie pushes a cart with two bags. They seem to run most of the time and we have to hustle to keep up with them! Despite stories of five hour rounds in Japan, we never were much over 4 1/4 hours. One delightful custom here is that after 9 holes, everyone stops for a nice lunch! Today's special was consomme and curried beef. Add a nice bottle of Japanese beer and life is looking pretty good!!

While it's not Hogan's Bridge at Augusta, this one is pretty special!

I would have had more pictures of Richard, but each time I showed him one, he took 30 minutes analyzing his swing!!! :-)

Not bad!!!

Tonight was our farewell dinner for Richard. He heads back to the States while the three of us fly tomorrow to Jeju Island in S. Korea. 97 Pegs are on the Board and Nine Bridges on Jeju will be 98. Friday will mark the departure of the rest of us back home.  While it's been a fantastic trip, a couple of hot dogs and a diet coke is starting to sound pretty good!!