Tokyo Golfer

2016 Aki Cup Sponsored by Air Golf #5 Report: Fuji Classic

Asoh-san tees off with Mt. Fuji in the background

The fifth leg of the 2016 Aki Cup Sponsored by Air Golf returned to the Fuji Classic yesterday. 12 players took part on a partly overcast day at this Desmond Muirhead course at the base of Mount Fuji. At the end of the day, Jack Snell turned in a net 76 (gross 86) for the win and 530 Aki Cup points.

From the left, Tom Moore, Michael Schneider, John Evans, Steven Anthony

Three players tied for second with a net 78 and split the place points with 267 each. Of the three, Steve Anthony carded the low gross for the day with 85. The other two with net 78s were Tom Moore who scored a gross 88 and Hiroe Sakai who turned in a 110.

Hiroe Sakai tees off on the second hole

Fuji Classic is a tough course, judging from the scores and player comments. The greens were especially tricky with several players recording multiple 3 putts. One player claimed 6 3-putts, his highest of the year. The rain from the day before didn't help matters much either. On some holes, players had drives that plugged in the fairway or found sandtraps filled with water.

From left, Asoh-san, Chris Hurquin, Marcos Tanaka and Asi Rinestine

This is a fun and interesting course, like most Desmond Muirhead designs. Many of the holes have a ukiyoe print theme or pay tribute to the culture of that era. The par three 17th peninsula green, for example, pays tribute to Hokusai's Great Wave at Kanagawa. And the 16th par four is remarkable for a huge sand trap with a manji or Buddist shrine map symbol.

Phil tees off on the 12th.

The weather was cool but dry on the day and playing near Mt. Fuji is always a thrill. But the mountain was a little shy and only came out from time to time, remaining behind clouds for large parts of the day.

The 16th green with a huge manji in the sand trap

This was the second time for Aki Cuppers to come to the course. The first time was for the original Aki Cup finale in 2013.

Dave Welch gets ready for a power drive

After five events, Jack Snell leads the points race with 1,218 points. Steve Anthony is second with 1,014 and Aya Morohoshi, last week's winner, is third with 941 points.

The 17th green that pays homage to The Great Wave

Special thanks to Chris Hurquin for arranging the event. There are three Aki Cup events left, including the double points finale on November 26. The next event, Aki Cup #6 takes place on November 5th at Murasakizuka in Tochigi. A few spots are still available.

Aki Cup #5: Fuji Classic Results