Located in the picturesque region of Piedmont, Italy, the Golf Club Cherasco lies within the heart of the Langhe area. Known for its strategic position, the golf club serves as a prime destination for golfers seeking to experience the unique terrain and challenges presented by this historic region.
The Golf Club Cherasco caters to every type of golfer, providing an all-encompassing experience. The course is designed to ensure that the first stroke lands on the fairway, setting an early tone for the entire round. A notable feature is the second shot at the 13th hole, where a lake is positioned in front of the green, adding a layer of complexity and requiring precise execution from the players.
Accessible Greenfees and Memberships at GC Cherasco
Promotions related to memberships and the initiation of new players into golf are available at the Golf Club Cherasco. These offers are designed to make the sport more accessible and encourage participation among newcomers. However, specifics of these promotions were not provided in the information submitted.
In summary, the Golf Club Cherasco is strategically positioned in the Langhe area of Piedmont, Italy. The course layout is crafted to challenge golfers right from the opening shot, with particular emphasis on the memorable 13th hole featuring a lake before the green. Various promotions aim to attract new golfers and foster a broader interest in the sport.
Located in the Veneto region of Italy, the Golf Club Rovigo is situated in the city of Rovigo. The club is uniquely integrated into the local school system, providing a distinct opportunity for youth to engage with the sport from an early age. This integration aims to promote golf within the educational environment, encouraging students to try the sport through accessible practice facilities and incentives.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Golfers in Rovigo
The practice field at Golf Club Rovigo offers a green fee of €5, which includes free balls. This affordability is aimed at making golf accessible to a wider audience. The club provides free courses for students, fostering early interest and skill development in the sport. For adults, there is an option to take a five-lesson course for a fee of €100. This structured approach allows individuals to gain foundational skills under professional guidance.
In addition to its educational initiatives, the Golf Club Rovigo strives to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. The club’s motto, “try golf and you won’t regret it,” highlights its commitment to providing a positive and encouraging environment for all participants. This is evident in its affordable pricing and its wide range of programs designed to cater to different age groups and skill levels.
Summary: Golf Club Rovigo, located in the Veneto region of Italy, emphasizes accessibility and education in promoting the sport. The practice field offers an economical green fee with complimentary balls, alongside free courses for students and reasonably priced lessons for adults. The club’s integration into local schools underscores its mission to nurture a lifelong interest in golf among young individuals.
The ASD Golf Crema Resort. (Image: Golf Crema Resort)
Located in the picturesque region of Lombardia, Italy, ASD Golf Crema Resort offers a captivating golfing experience. Nestled in Crema, within the province of Cremona, this golf course is notable for its challenging design and beautiful surroundings. The course, known as “Daddy,” is recognized as one of the longest in Italy, catering to both experienced and novice players.
Technical Layout and Long Holes – ASD Golf Crema Resort
The ASD Golf Crema Resort features a technical layout that includes numerous ponds and canals. This requires players to come prepared with extra balls. The course is designed to challenge golfers with its intricate holes, making it a suitable test for seasoned players, while also providing opportunities for beginners through advanced tee-off options. The surrounding Moso Park adds to the unique character of this golf destination, making each round a memorable experience.
Players can take advantage of daily green fee agreements, with rates set at €35 from Monday to Friday on non-holiday days. For those looking to play on holidays, the agreed 18-hole green fee is €60. These pricing options make ASD Golf Crema Resort accessible to a wide range of golf enthusiasts. This structure ensures that golf is available to locals and visitors alike, supporting both recreational and competitive play.
In summary, ASD Golf Crema Resort stands out not only for its length and technicality but also for its setting within the Moso Park. The combination of challenging water hazards and strategic hole layouts provides a comprehensive test for golfers. With accessible green fee pricing, it remains a popular choice for both casual and serious golfers in the region.
The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio is located in Tarvisio, Italy, within the province of Udine. The club is uniquely situated in the border triangle of Italy, Slovenia, and Austria, offering a unique geographical positioning that is reflected in its landscape and vistas. The course is known for its natural setting and the high-quality golfing experience it provides to all its visitors.
Mountain View and Sporting Challanges at Gof Senza Confini
The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio features an 18-hole course that is enveloped by forests. The course is divided into two sections, with 9 holes located on a plateau above Tarvisio and the other 9 nestled in hilly terrain. This layout not only provides a variety of playing conditions but also highlights the natural beauty surrounding the course. Golfers have the option to walk the course or use a cart for convenience.
The views from the course offer a panoramic look to the north towards Austria and Slovenia, and to the south towards the Valcanale region. Key landmarks include Mount Mangart and the reflective surfaces of a nearby lake, which add to the scenic quality of playing at this club. These features make the Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio a unique location for golfers who appreciate striking natural landscapes.
The club provides a range of offers and services to enhance the golfing experience. For more information, visitors are encouraged to contact the club’s secretariat. The Golf Club Senza Confini Tarvisio expresses a warm welcome to all prospective visitors, aiming to offer an enjoyable experience in a distinctive setting.
The Golf Club Bellosguardo is located in Vinci, Italy, within the region of Toscana. This golf course, situated in a scenic part of Italy, offers a range of experiences for players of all skill levels.
The atmosphere at Bellosguardo is noted for its pleasantness, making it a welcoming environment for golfers. The club caters to a variety of players, focusing on maintaining the course to the highest standards relative to the season. This attention to detail ensures that the course remains in excellent condition throughout the year.
One of the notable features at Bellosguardo is the recommendation for even experienced players, those with a single-digit handicap, to try the shorter tees (green and orange) for an added layer of enjoyment. This suggestion highlights the club’s commitment to providing a versatile and engaging experience for all golfers, regardless of their skill level.
“Risk and Reward” or “Play It Safe”?- The Signature Hole at Bellosguardo
A highlight of the course is Hole 16, a par 5 with a challenging right dog leg around a lake. This hole presents players with a strategic choice: play it safe or attempt to reach the green in two shots. The design of this hole adds an element of risk and reward, making it a memorable part of the course.
The club also offers various green fee carnets on request and a special annual subscription for foreign players. These flexible options demonstrate the club’s effort to accommodate both local and international golfers, ensuring that all have the opportunity to enjoy what Bellosguardo has to offer.
Golf Club Bellosguardo is privately owned, with the President living on site and considering the course his garden. This personal investment in the club’s upkeep contributes significantly to the high maintenance standards, ensuring that the course remains in top condition throughout the year.
In summary, Golf Club Bellosguardo in Vinci, Italy, is a well-maintained, versatile golf course that caters to players of all skill levels, offering an engaging and enjoyable golfing experience.
The Grado Golf course in Grado, Italy. (Image: Grado GC)
Grado is home to a notable golf course located in Italy. The golf course in Grado offers a diverse environment for golfers. Its distinguishing feature includes an island green, adding a unique challenge for players. An attractive aspect for golfers is the special offer available every Monday, where one green fee is valid for two players.
Grado Golf Courses: Sustainable Golf Experience in Italy
The course in Grado is also known for its environmentally friendly practices. By implementing sustainable measures, the course aims to reduce its environmental footprint. This aspect attracts socially conscious golfers who prefer playing on courses that support ecological initiatives. The commitment to environmental friendliness does not compromise the quality of the golfing experience for visitors.
A notable feature of Grado’s golf course is its adaptability to various skill levels. The course design indicates that the length is not a primary focus, making it approachable for golfers with different playing abilities. This inclusivity encourages more players to participate, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. This design philosophy ensures that the enjoyment of the game is prioritized over the challenges posed by the course’s length.
In conclusion, the golf course in Grado, Italy, offers a unique playing experience with an island green and environmentally friendly practices. The special Monday offer and the adaptable course design make it appealing to a wide range of golfers. These elements come together to create a distinctive golfing destination that values both the sport and the environment.
Piemonte offers a vast array of beautiful golf courses. This shot was taken in Bogogno. (credit: The Azalea Group)
The Region of Piemonte has been singled out as the number one place to play golf in Italy by a respected new industry ranking with four of the top ten venues in the updated list including the new number one, Royal Park I Roveri.
The Robert Trent Jones Sr course near Turin features at the summit of the latest poll of Top 100 Golf Courses website’s latest list of the ‘Top 60 Courses in Italy’.
Vast array of quality golf courses
Piemonte was well represented throughout the ranking with number two venue Golf Club Biella, Circolo Golf Torino (number six) and Golf Club Castelconturbia (number seven) all featuring in the top ten – highlighting the vast array of quality courses that await golfers across the region.
Both Robert Von Hagge-designed courses at Circolo Golf Bogogno, Del Conte and Bonora, also appear in the top 20, making Piemonte one of the most popular regions on the list with a total of nine entries. Those include the Allianz Bank course, which sits adjacent to the Trent Jones Sr course at Royal Park I Roveri and was designed by Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry.
Announcing their verdict, the Top 100 panel said: “This is a big year for golf in Italy. Our new number one is a layout that has never been out of the top-three ranking positions in any of the Italian charts published so far. Indeed, it is a former number one so sitting on the summit is nothing new at this location.”
Piemonte: The perfect place for the next golf trip
Vittoria Poggio, assessor for tourism, culture and commerce at the Regione Piemonte, said: “Piemonte is rightly famous for many things, but so many people still don’t know that it’s one of the best places in Europe to come and play golf.
“For so many of our courses to be recognised on a prestigious list like this one is evidence of what we have to offer in Piemonte. Any golfers looking for a course to play here will always be spoiled for choice.”
Piemonte enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the best places in Europe to play golf. Courses designed by some of history’s most revered architects, including Robert Trent Jones Snr and Von Hagge, make full use of Italy’s incredible scenery and famous mountain skyline.
Away from the fairways, golfers can enjoy a plethora of historical, cultural and gastronomic attractions in and around the region’s capital, Turin, including a choice of 45 Michelin-star restaurants.
The harbour town of Porto Ercole in Italy. (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
It takes us less than two hours by rental car from Rome-Fiumicino airport to reach the five-star Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort. It is situated on a peninsula in the heart of the Maremma. This is the name of the coastal strip and its hinterland in southern Tuscany. In the past, the Maremma was a swampy area where malaria was prevalent. But this has long been a thing of the past. Just like the Etruscans, who were once at home here. Most of the Maremma lies in Grosseto, the second largest of the ten Tuscan provinces with its capital of the same name. This typically Tuscan region is not densely populated. Around 220,000 inhabitants live on an area of 4,500 square kilometres.
Argentario Golf Club (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Stylish design in a natural setting. The modern designed, luxurious resort was opened in 2008. It is situated above a green valley, in the midst of the Mediterranean Maccia in a beautiful area. It is surrounded by cork oak forests and centuries-old olive trees. The resort has a magnificent view of the golf course, the lagoon of Orbetello, the silver coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea beyond and the hills of Monte Argentario.
18th green in front of the resort complex (Photo: Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort)
The 73 rooms, the seven suites and the seven luxurious villas have been furnished with great attention to detail, combining comfort with the latest technology. All accommodation units have balconies or terraces of different sizes with beautiful views. Construction has begun on a further 20 rooms. The furnishings vary depending on the room type. From the functionally furnished standard double room to the elegant suite, there is something for every taste and budget. White walls contrast with dark brown wooden floors and furniture.
Impressive design throughout the resort. Exceptional design runs throughout the resort. Its contemporary style features a combination of retro and extravagant elements. Materials from the region are skilfully combined with modern ones. The most impressive example of this is the majestic entrance hall, designed in the shape of a dragonfly, where the intense blue of the sky falls through the oversized glass windows.
Imposing resort lobby (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
The black frames of the lift cladding contrast with the white wooden ceiling, the floor of sand- coloured Tabarca stones and the curved light wooden counters of the reception and the boutique. The entrance to the restaurants also attracts the eye. The wild boars found in this region greet the guests.
Entrance area to the restaurants (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Wellness and well-being are a priority. The 2,700-square-metre ESPACE Wellness Centre has, among other things, a fitness centre with state-of-the-art technogym equipment, two saunas and a heated indoor saltwater pool with an exit to the outside. A second pool in the outdoor area offers the desired cooling in summer. At the ESPACE Wellness Centre, guests can discover various wellbeing services aimed at achieving an overall balanced physical and mental state. Tennis and padel tennis courts are available, as well as a panoramic jogging course, a small football pitch and electric mountain bikes.
Indoor pool with view into the gym (Photo: Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort)
Argentario Golf Club opened in 2006. The club’s course was designed by golf architect David Mezzacane and golf pro Baldovino Dassu. Adjustments were later made by Brian Jorgensen. Due to the prevailing microclimate, the course is playable year-round. Testament to the quality of the course, Argentario’s golf course was awarded PGA National Italy status by The PGA in 2019.
Challenging golf in charming surroundings. Precision is just as important as distance on the technically challenging par-71, 6,218-metre championship course. From yellow it is 5,895 metres long, from red 5,003 metres. After a soft start with a short par-4, we cross the hilltop and play the next two holes deep down into the valley. The views down to the sea and lagoon in the background are fantastic. First, we are impressed by a par-3, whose green is well guarded by seven bunkers. From the yellow tee it is 177 m downhill.
Magnificent view from the tee of the second hole (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
This is followed by the longest hole on the course. From the elevated tee box, you can let the driver run free into the fairway far below. The par-5, 573 metres long from the yellow tee, plays like a par-6. The frontal wind coming from the sea also contributes to this.
573 metres to the green of the three (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
The next holes then run level through the flat terrain. The fairways offer enough space to hit the ball, but the greens have their work cut out for them. They are not overly large, oftenundulated and well guarded by bunkers or water hazards.
Overview Front Nine (Photo: Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort)
From the elevated terrace of the clubhouse, you have a great view of the ninth and the tenth hole, where water comes into play.
View of the nine (right) and ten from the clubhouse (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
The back nine is more open and wider than the front nine. It passes numerous olive trees and impressive, huge trees that attract our gaze on several holes.
Giant trees line the fairways (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
As is the case throughout the resort, sustainability is also a top priority on the golf course. Only organic products are used to maintain the course. For this, the club received the BioAgri Cert award. The seal of quality, which only a few clubs in Italy bear, stands for excellent water management, among other things. The rainwater coming from the mountains is collected in two cisterns in winter and thus ensures irrigation in the summer months.
The Bermuda grass of the fairways is still dormant in April. That’s why they still have quite a few brown spots when we visit. The greens, on the other hand, are already in top condition. The covered driving range is a real eye-catcher. In the academy, which is equipped with the latest technology, group and individual lessons are offered, sometimes by well-known professionals such as Emanuele Canonica.
Stylish driving range (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
When booking through the hotel, resort guests receive attractive green fee discounts on other courses in the region. These include the Ryder Cup course Marco Simone in Rome.
The palate is also pampered. We dine superbly in the cosy Clubhouse restaurant and on its terrace. The menu features tasty dishes of Maremma, Tuscan and Italian cuisine, using mainly products from the region. We were particularly taken with the tortelli with wild boar ragout and the fish and seafood platter. The Vermentino is an excellent accompaniment. The gourmet restaurant Dama Dama was still closed during our visit.
Cosy Clubhouse Restaurant (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
There is much to discover. To explore the charming region, we recommend a rental car. We didn’t see any taxis in any of the small towns. The towns of Porto Ercole and Orbetello with their sandy beaches Feniglia and Giannella are only a few kilometres away. Porto Ercole with its historic Hercules harbour, its four fortresses and its pretty old town should be included here, as well as the larger town of Porto Santo Stefano, where we let ourselves be spoilt with fresh fish and enjoy the evening atmosphere in the Trattoria Il Moletto right by the sea.
Evening atmosphere in Porto Santo Stefano (Photo: Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort)
We also recommend a visit to the municipality of Capalbio, whose fortified settlement towers high above the sea. The tour of the city walls offers magnificent views over the entire region. In its winding alleys, a new surprise awaits around every corner.
Town fortress in Capalbio (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Art lovers will not miss out either. The artist Niki de Saint Phalle, known for her voluptuous figures, has created an art garden with 22 sculptures up to 15 metres high depicting the cards of the Tarot. It is also located in the municipality of Capalbio. Here we are immersed in a world of our own with imaginative figures made of mirror mosaics, colourful ceramics and glass and are completely enthralled.
Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle (Photo: Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Grazie mille to the entire team of the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort and Golf Club for the friendly and perfect service at all times. We felt very much at home. Ciao et a presto!
San Domenico Golf, located in the Puglia region of Italy, will provide the setting for the Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open from November 3-5, 2021.
San Domenico Golf
The South East Italy venue will welcome the Legends Tour for its final stop on European soil before the MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius in December, as the inaugural Legends Tour season edges towards its conclusion.
San Domenico Golf is rich in history and has previously hosted the prestigious Challenge Tour Grand Final between 2005 and 2012. The course will be a true test for many with carefully positioned fairways containing centenary olive trees and glimpses of the ancient city of Egnathia, combined with strategically designed bunkers.
Bringing first-class golf to Puglia
The event will be played as a legacy to the late Sergio Melpignano, the driving force behind the development of the resort and through his visionary entrepreneurship and determination he inspiringly lived his lifelong dream of bringing first-class golf to Puglia.
A strong field is set to compete for the title in Puglia, including Costantino Rocca, the five-time European Tour winner and two-time Legends Tour winner. Rocca was the first Italian to compete in the Ryder Cup in 1993 and will be joined at San Domenico by two-time winner of the event Clark Dennis, of the United States, and Senior Major Champions Stephen Dodd and Roger Chapman.
England’s Barry Lane will tee it up as defending champion after triumphing in the most recent edition of the event in 2019 when he defeated Frenchman Marc Farry in a play-off, while 2005 U.S. Open Champion Michael Campbell will also travel to San Domenico.
Additionally, three-time European Tour winner Anders Hansen will make his Legends Tour debut at the Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open after turning 50 in 2020.
Legends Tour Chief Executive comments
Phil Harrison, Chief Executive of the Legends Tour, said: “San Domenico Golf is a truly stunning venue and fits perfectly with our ethos of visiting world class destinations and showcasing them to the world.
“We are all looking forward to visiting Puglia next month as we bring the European leg of our season to an end.”
The Senior Italian Open will take place with the support of DS Automobiles, Fideuram, Kappa and Eureco, Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport, Il Giornale and Infront. Sport Senza Frontiere Onlus has also been integral in carrying out the goal of social inclusion through golf in Italy.
Press Release from the European Tour Communications
The Marco Simone Golf & County Club in Rome, where the Ryder Cup will be held next year. (Photo: Marco Simone Golf & Country Club)
Plenty of adrenalin early in the morning
Around eight o’clock in the morning, we start out of town in our rental car near the famous Villa Borghese. The extremely fast, offensive driving style of the Roman road users takes some getting used to for us, but after a short time it works fine. If you wait, you will not reach your destination in time. We get the impression that traffic signs and traffic lights are seen more as a recommendation. Unharmed and happy, we reach the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club on the north-eastern outskirts of the Italian metropolis a good half hour later.
Thumbs up (Photo Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Here in Guidonia Montecelio, the 44th edition of the Europe : USA golf competition will take place in September 2023, one year late. After 1997 in Valderrama and 2018 in Paris, it will be only the third Ryder Cup on continental European soil.
The biggest green skirt ever designed
World-renowned fashion and perfume designer Laura Biagiotti and her daughter Lavinia Biagiotti Cigna, thanks to the Italian Golf Federation, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and to the support of national and local institutions, brought the Ryder Cup to her club in 2015, which she founded in 1971. Since her death in 2017, Lavinia Biagiotti Cigna has continued the project and now heads the club as President.
Lavinia quotes her mother as saying “My mother used to say this is the biggest green skirt I have ever designed”.
Originally designed by Jim Fazio, the course has been completely redesigned as of 2018. This task was successfully taken on by European Golf Design, together with Jim’s son Tom Fazio II.
On an area of 150 hectares, a par-72 stadium course has been created, which is perfectly integrated into the open, partly quite hilly terrain. It is a course designed not only for players but also for the up to fifty thousand spectators expected daily. On both sides of the fairways, the terrain often rises, so that from these elevated places, the game action can be followed not only on one fairway, but on several at once.
Plenty of space on the course (Photo Marco Simone Golf & Country Club)
The paths are very well maintained and asphalted, the distances between greens and tees are pleasantly short. The course is fair and a pleasure to play. It is a real match play course and allows a good score for all HCP classes, provided you hit the right spots on the greens. If you do not, you get penalised.
The tee-offs are less challenging. But the ones into the green are, some of which can be hit blind.
We particularly like the two par-5s at the end of the front nine and the 16, a 322 m long par-4. For us, it is the most beautiful hole on the course. If you do not resist the temptation to attack the green with your steep descent tee shot here, you run the risk of experiencing your damp miracle. We are already curious to see how many balls will disappear here in 2023 during the Ryder Cup.
Fantastic 16th hole (Photo Marco Simone Golf & Country Club)
Construction of the new driving range has already begun. The clubhouse will also be renovated before the Ryder Cup.
A successful creation
I take up Laura Biagiotti’s comparison of the course with a skirt and describe it as if it were such a garment: We really like the motifs on the green skirt. On its front, the 11th-century Marco Simone Castle, now Lavinia’s home, attracts our gaze. Also the astronomer Galileo Galilei used to live here.
Marco Simone Castle is omnipresent (Photo Jürgen Linnenbürger)
On the back of the skirt, the hill town of Sant’Angelo Romana catches the eye, as does Rome’s silhouette with St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
Cleverly placed are its 18 mostly not too big, wavy and smooth green buttons. Real eye-catchers are the four large blue dots of colour, two on each side, and the blue zips that snake over part of the back.
The skirt comes in two versions. We are introduced to the spring version, where the green fringes located on its sides are kept short and blend seamlessly into the colour of the skirt. In the autumn version, these are much longer and denser, so that it is easy to get caught in them. Their shiny golden-brown colour is the ideal contrast to the otherwise rich green and another visual highlight.
Golden-brown deep rough in autumn (Photo Marco Simone Golf & Country Club)
The bright white linings of the numerous pockets are velvety soft. Their edges are perfectly finished. You can get out of them easily, even if they get wet. A special textile layer ensures that.
Perfect bunker conditions (Photo Marco Simone Golf & Country Club)
The smooth surface is very elastic and its material handles even large amounts of rain very well. There is nothing to complain about in terms of its high-quality workmanship. We particularly like the fact that great importance is attached to sustainability in its production.
The stylish unisex mini is available in four sizes for men and three for women. The XXL version is only 6.373 meters long. Usually it is not too tightly cut and offers plenty of freedom of movement in all variants. However, it can be made tighter for special occasions.
The brand and the high quality come at a price. For the use of the designer piece, one pays €180 on site. If you book online, you get a ten percent discount.
18th green in front of the clubhouse (Photo Jürgen Linnenbürger)
Sporty charming
With the 78th Italian Open being held in September 2021, the course has passed its sporting baptism of fire in the best possible way. The Dane Nicolai Hojgaard won with 13 under par and thus won his first tournament on today’s DP World Tour.
Stay and Play
Various hotels, including those outside Rome, offer attractive stay and play packages or green fee discounts. This also applies to the multiple award-winning, five-star Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort in Porto Ercole in the Maremma in southern Tuscany, where we will spend the next few days. I report on this in a separate article. Jürgen Linnenbürger April 2022
