Myoko Country Club is a laid back course, located on the lower slopes on the Eastern side of My Myoko. It is 5km up the road to Seki Onsen (prefectural route 39) off national route 18. The closest station is Sekiyama Station on Myoko Haneuma Line, however there are not often taxis at this station. The closest Shinkansen Bullet train Station is at Myoko Joetsu, a 30 minute taxi ride. If coming from Hakuba, then it is about a 90 minute drive and can easily be done as a day trip.
On arrival at the course you’ll be greeted by staff who will secure your clubs so you can go inside and check in (make sure you have you name on your clubs so they can get them on the right cart).
At check in you are given a locker, where you can drop your unneeded gear. From there you can either have a drink in the restaurant or head out to the putting green for practice.
Both the the out and in course leave from similar positions, and your cart will be lined up according to the order you are playing. Note that the cars do not have GPS, or electronic scoring, so an app is a good option. The carts are not auto-drive, but you must stick to the cart path and not drive on the fairways.
The course itself is very forgiving. As it is located on the lower slopes of a mountain, most holes are either uphill or downhill, with not a lot of flat holes. That being said, there is no holes with large elevation gains or losses. The fairways are fairly wide, and the rough is not too deep. And if you stray off course then recovery is quite easy. Apart from the very outside border of the course, there is not a lot of OB areas.
There are 2 massive dog-leg holes, the 2nd and the 7th (both par 4), and on both you can take the short cut more directly to the hole.
There is a refreshment stand a the 4th and the 13th tees, where you can charge drinks and snack to your locker (you do not need cash when on the course).
Mid game meal is also very good with most items included in your green fees and surcharges for steaks and other premium meals only.
In summer it can get very hot (we played in about 35c), so hydration is very important.
Overall this course is excellent value for money. The course is well kept except for a few areas around the greens which could do with a little work. Staff are friendly and accommodating, facilities are excellent, and the food delicious. I’m a Tan-Tan noodle fan, then the dish here was one of the best I’ve ever had.
