The concept of the Stadium Course at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass belongs to former Professional Golf Association Tour Commissioner Deane Beman. “The PGA Tour wanted their own tournament at their own venue,” Alice Dye recalled.
Hirono has been called the Augusta National of Japan; this moniker speaks to both its exclusivity and its quality. (“The story is that there are many CEOs in Tokyo waiting for their invitation to play here,” Ben quipped.) The parkland layout wanders through pine-covered hills and valleys, across gulleys and ravines; the prominent characteristics of Alison’s design ethos are all evident at Hirono—large, deep bunkers, sideways-tilting greens and prominent use of water hazards.