Players excited to escape last week’s tough scoring conditions at Blue Bay LPGA may soon face more of the same at this week’s TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC, where wind could once again become a factor at the Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club which lies along the Ago Bay and Pacific Ocean.
“The biggest challenge will be the wind if we do get it,” Vice President of Rules and Competition’s Sue Witters told LPGA.com. “Hopefully we will not be seeing the windy conditions that occurred at Blue Bay last week. There is usually some wind which will affect the holes that are out in the open.”
The back nine’s 10th through 15th holes are the more exposed holes on this Parkland style course. But wind won’t be the only challenge for players who will have to navigate the Alison style bunkers, as they’ve become known in Japan after designer Charles Hugh Alison, and are similar to those seen at the RICOH Women’s British Open. According to Witters, additional bunkers were added this year as well, including two alongside the 9th fairway, which will come into play off the tee. Additionally, a greenside bunker at the par 3, 17th hole was extended closer to the green.
A 54-hole event this week, the course plays at just over 6,500 yards to a par 72. The tees, fairways and rough are Korai and will sit at two and a half to three inches in height. The greens are Penncross, a type of Bentgrass. Most holes feature changes in elevation as well as tiered and undulating greens, which Witters says will be the key to playing well this week.
“The greens are fairly large here, so putting will be essential to be able to hoist the trophy on Sunday.”
Players dealt with some pretty hot and humid conditions throughout the Asia Swing but will see a major shift this week with conditions more in line with what players would expect during the fall season.
“The weather is typical to what the northeast section of the U.S. is experiencing this time of year,” said Witters. “We will be looking at high 60’s during the day and mid 50’s at night. Currently Friday and Saturday look good and we have a chance of rain on Sunday.”
Mi Hyang Lee won last year’s TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC in a playoff with a winning score of 11-under par for the week.
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