77 hope of elevating its potential for tournament play. “There hasn’t been any remodelling work since the 1960s,” says Swanson. “They now want to make sure they are putting their best foot forward. It’s single greens, but it’s a complete rethought of some of the tee locations, the fairway bunkering and the green surrounds. There’s a downhill tee shot on the par-four eighteenth, and we are going to completely rebuild the green complex with that possible tournament bigfinish in mind.” As with all his jobs in Japan, Jones has teamed with Hiromi Yanagisawa and Inaji Landscape & Construction Co. to ensure the final product is of the highest quality. While advances in technology allow for effective remote working, Jones and Swanson will still make regular site visits. “Golf course architecture is one of those things that you really do need to do out in the field to be able to understand the space you’re dealing with,” says Swanson. “The ability to have a Zoom call has definitely helped. We do quite a bit with photos and video calls where the contractor will walk us through something that’s been shaped. When we do visit the site, we’re closer to being able to do final touches.” Jones and Swanson expect to be completing their operation on Karuizama’s Asama course by the end of 2023, with an eye towards hosting tournament golf in the nottoo-distant future. Photo: Rees Jones, Inc. Jones’ proposal for the fifth hole on the Asama course sees the introduction of new bunkering in the second landing area of this par five hole
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=