Old Nene Golf & Country Club

Ever stumbled upon a place that feels like a secret handshake between history and nature? Old Nene Golf & Country Club in Japan is exactly that. Nestled in the quiet hills of Kyoto Prefecture, it’s not your flashy, neon-lit city course. It’s more like finding a perfectly aged whiskey in a dusty back cabinet.

What’s the big deal about an “old” club?

Think of it as the grandparent of Japanese golf, opened way back in 1928. This isn’t a place trying to be modern or cool—it simply is cool, because it’s authentic. Ever seen a course designed by the guy who literally brought golf to Japan? Colonel Thomas L. Purves laid this gem out, and it shows.

The fairways feel like they’ve been there forever, winding through ancient forests and bamboo groves. You’re not fighting for space with a hundred other golfers. Instead, you’re sharing a quiet conversation with the landscape. Doesn’t that sound better than staring at a smartphone screen all day?

The vibe is everything (and nothing like a country club you know)

Forget stuffy dress codes and whispered gossip. Old Nene has a relaxed, almost poetic atmosphere. The clubhouse looks like a charming old villa, all wood and low ceilings, like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie set. You half expect a wise old cat to hand you a scorecard.

It’s not about blasting drives 300 yards here. This course asks you to think, to feel the undulating fairways and cunningly placed bunkers. Ever tried playing a hole named “The Ancient’s Path”? It makes you slow down and appreciate the craft of the game.

Old Nene Golf and Country Club near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire lodges

The course: a rollercoaster for your imagination

The layout is a classic “inland links,” but don’t let the word “inland” fool you. It’s rolling like ocean waves, with hidden dips and sudden views that steal your breath. You’ll face shots that demand finesse, not brute force—like using a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer.

Then there’s the silence. No road noise, no distant trains—just the wind in the pines and the occasional call of a hawk. Compare that to a crowded city driving range? It’s like choosing a warm fireplace over a flickering neon sign. Which would you rather have?

Why it’s cool for non-golfers too (yes, really)

You don’t even need to play golf to love this place. The grounds are a living museum of Japanese aesthetics. The tea huts, the mossy stone bridges, the way the light filters through the leaves—it’s pure zen. You could just wander the paths and feel a hundred years of stories settle around you.

The Old Nene Golf & Country Club - Golf Course Information | Hole19

Ever noticed how some places just feel older? Old Nene has that. The wood in the lockers has a soft, warm smell. The photos on the walls show players in collared shirts and flat caps from decades ago. It’s like the club is winking at you, saying, “Yeah, I remember when things were different.”

So, is it worth the trip?

If you’re looking for a place that values patience over power, and history over hype, absolutely. Golfers call it a “pilgrimage” for a reason. Non-golfers call it a “secret escape.” Honestly, it’s just a lovely spot to breathe.

Next time you’re in Kyoto, skip the crowded temples for a morning. Walk Old Nene’s fairways, feel the cool mountain air, and ask yourself: When was the last time I felt truly quiet inside? That’s the real prize here.