The Aroeira Challenge Golf Course. (Image: Aroeira Challenge )
The Aroeira Challenge is a golf course located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal. Situated within a vast pine forest, this course is recognized for its diverse terrain and the variety it offers compared to its older sibling, the Aroeira Pines Classic.
Aroeira Challange – The Greens are not to mess with
The course design accommodates players of all levels and ages, featuring a range of tee options and five lakes that impact play on ten different holes. A distinctive element of the Aroeira Challenge is its large, undulating greens, which feature several levels. Among its holes, the 17th stands out as one of the most challenging. Measuring 430 meters with a par of four, this hole demands two quality shots to reach the green in regulation. The green itself is protected by a steep slope on the left and two bunkers on the right, emphasizing the need for precision. This makes the 17th hole the signature hole on the course, which was designed by Donald Steel.
Looking ahead, the Aroeira Challenge is slated for significant upgrades in 2025. Planned renovations include extensive work on the bunkers, tees, greens, course landscaping, and the irrigation system. These improvements aim to enhance the playing experience, ensuring that the course remains attractive and challenging for future players.
The combination of challenging holes, diverse terrain, and upcoming upgrades solidifies the Aroeira Challenge’s reputation as a noteworthy destination for golfers. The proactive approach to course maintenance and the commitment to improving player experience underscore its status in the golfing community.
The Aroeira Pines Classic Golf Course in Portugal. (Image: Azalea)
The Aroeira Pines Classic is located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal, approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon. Situated in a vast pine forest, this golf course is renowned for its picturesque setting. The landscape and layout have often drawn comparisons to the prestigious Wentworth Club in England, earning it the nickname ‘the Wentworth of Lisbon’ among golf specialists.
Updates in Aroeira Pines – New Bunkers, Tees and More are Waiting
The course caters to golfers of all abilities and ages through a variety of tee options. It is known for being relatively flat, which provides an easy and pleasant walking experience for players. One of its standout features is the 14th hole, a par-three spanning 120 meters. This particular hole was not part of the original course but was added during a 1982 renovation. It requires players to execute a precise tee shot over a lake onto a small putting surface, adding a challenging yet rewarding element to the game.
Aroeira Pines Classic is also undergoing significant upgrades from June to October 2024. These renovations include comprehensive improvements to the bunkers, tees, greens, and course landscaping. Additionally, the irrigation system will be enhanced. These changes aim to elevate the playing experience further, ensuring that the course remains one of Lisbon’s premier golfing destinations.
Arzaga Golf and QC Termegarda (Photos: AZALEA (left) and Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Style and class in an oasis of tranquillity
From the nearest airport in Verona, it takes three quarters of an hour by car to reach the QC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort, which is surrounded by 144 hectares of parkland in a completely tranquil setting. The 78 rooms and suites are spread over three buildings with direct access to an exceptional Spa world.
It is part of the QC Terme group, which was founded by the brothers Saverio and Andrea Quadrio Curzio in Bormio in 1988. Today, 12 wellness centres and hotels belong to the largest Italian wellness group. The newest members are located on Grovenors Island near New York and the resort here in Calvagese de la Riviera, which opened in 2022.
As soon as I drive up the narrow avenue to the 15th century Renaissance building, I feel a sense of well-being that intensifies as I pass through the huge entrance door. My inner clock is immediately set to calm and serenity.
Driveway and entrance to the resort (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The open-plan reception of the five-star resort appears rather inconspicuous in the imposing entrance area supported by tall pillars.
Feel good from the very first moment (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The extraordinary aesthetics of this stylish, classic ambiance continue up the marble staircases into the rooms.
Moving in through a bygone era (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The historically frescoed walls of the five different room categories, the heavy curtains and the floors covered in fine woods or natural stone are further characteristics of this impressive retreat.
Plenty of space in a dignified atmosphere (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Contrasts increase the appeal
I take the lift from the hotel reception to the area of the Arzaga Golf Club, two floors below. This is characterised by a huge, open-plan golf floor with round arches and stone cladding that echoes the architecture of the main building, but is otherwise a complete contrast to the rest of the hotel.
Bright and inviting (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Here I come across modern changing rooms with a straightforward design, a transparent glass golf reception area, an inviting Pro shop, two cosy lounge areas with colourful, modern seating elements and huge TV screens.
The restaurant ‚Bistro’ with bar and adjoining terrace is on the same level. Everything is stylish and flooded with light.
Renowned golf course architects
The view from the restaurant and the terrace of the four golf holes (#1, #9, #10 and #18) stretching out below is magnificent. They are part of the course designed by Jack Nicklaus II, who is responsible for two 9-hole loops of the 27-hole Arzaga Golf.
Jack’s son has created an American-style layout characterised by wide, open fairways. Strategically placed bunkers and numerous lakes and ponds, which come into play on seven holes, require special care.
The holes are generously designed and lead through mostly flat terrain. The five different tees offer something suitable for every HCP class. It is a typical par 72 resort course with a length of 5,960 metres from the yellow tees. It has a length of 5,180 metres from the red tees. It is a pleasure to play and allows a good score, provided you avoid the abundance of water. Again and again, the course offers marvellous views of the mountains in the background.
Green of hole #6 and hole #7 carry over the water (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The front nine of the Jack Nicklaus Course ends with a beautiful view of the elevated resort buildings.
Numerous bunkers and water also at hole #9 (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
At the tenth hole you need to cross a bridge after the Tee.
Nice bridge on #10 (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The 18th fairway, the signature hole, is a worthy finale. The drive is best placed on the right-hand side of the fairway, as the hole to the green is flanked by twp ponds on the left-hand side.
The remaining nine holes are thanks to South African golf legend Gary Player. The round bunkers, some of which are crater-deep, are one of his famous challenges. The par 36 course begins steeply uphill behind the hotel building. It has a length of 2,860 metres from the yellow tees and 2,495 metres from the red tees.
From the highest point of the course, you play the tee shot of the first hole deep into the fairway, which is laid out as a dogleg to the right. If you leave the bunkers on the right out of play, the green is reachable with the second shot.
A smart start to the round (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After the third hole, the course opens up. The beautiful flowering plants that surround the fairways and give them natural contours are striking. This is also the case on 4th fairway, which has it all. At 538 metres from the yellow tees, it is the longest and most difficult hole of the round, which requires a precise shot past a pond into the green.
Natural boundary of the fairways (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The best example of the designer’s preference for deep bunkers is the 7th fairway. There are five of them in the drive’s landing zone.
Danger on all sides at hole #7 (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The 8th is a beautifully laid out par 5 dogleg left. After the tee shot, the course leads deep down the hill and ends in a green surrounded by dense trees.
Best to stay left with the second shot (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The round ends with a par 3 that runs above the car park with a beautiful view of the hotel and the local church. Its laterally sloping green is well defended on the left-hand side by numerous bunkers. If you don’t hit it in the right place, the ball rolls down.
Unusual – a par 3 at the end (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The two courses are in very good condition. Despite some inclines, they are walkable as most of the holes are flat. Electric trolleys and buggies are available in large numbers. However, the latter are only permitted on the paths.
Perfect training conditions
The spacious practice facilities at the Arzaga Golf Academy include a huge practice bunker as well as large chipping and putting greens. The panoramic view of the mountains towering in the background from the sloping driving range is spectacular. No other practice facility in Italy offers such a view.
Downhill Driving Range (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The academy is technically state-of-the-art. It is equipped with Trackman, BodiTrack Golf System and SAM PuttLab. There is also a golf simulator in the hotel building.
In addition to two Italian PGA pros, the coaching team includes Texan PGA Pro Lukas McNair, who has worked with renowned teaching pros in the USA in recent years. He was part of the recognised Hank Haney Construction Team for more than 10 years. All Pros are available for individual and group training sessions for both beginners and advanced players.
SPA OF WONDERS
The idea of the Quadrio Curzio brothers was to revolutionise the tradition of the classic Roman thermal bath therapy ‘salus per aquam’. This means ‘health through water’. The aim is to create places of extreme beauty with a remarkable aesthetic effect, where body and mind can regenerate.
It is difficult to make the right choice from the extensive range offered by the resort’s huge wellness centre. Thirty different options are available to external guests day or overnight guests. These include various panoramic pools, whirlpools, steam baths, saunas, fragrant relaxation rooms, massage and beauty treatments. All of this is spread over a multi-storey indoor area and enchanting gardens surrounded by hedges and featuring impressive statues.
Numerous outdoor and indoor pools (Photo: AZALEA)
I was particularly impressed by the Atmospheric Pool. While extreme weather situations are projected onto the walls of the room and run past, incredible masses of rain pour down on the bathers from the ceiling. You can no longer see your hands in front of your eyes and experience water in a new dimension.
A great experience in the atmospheric pool (Photo: AZALEA)
A special resort offer is the Aperiterme Aperitif with sparkling wine and finger food served daily between 5.00-8.00 pm. This is available to both hotel guests and day guests at the Spa. It is taken in a bathrobe in the café and in the resort’s inner courtyard. Feasting in fluffy white has its own special flavour.
Eat with your eyes
The Italian cuisine at the resort more than lives up to its excellent reputation. The culinary journey of indulgence begins with the varied breakfast, which offers many delicacies that not only tantalise the palate but also impress visually. I could quickly get used to the various chocolates and cakes.
Inviting presentation for breakfast (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
It is as well as this attention to detail that strikes me positively, as in many other areas of the resort. Be it the presentation of sweets and fruit at breakfast, the preparation of lunch dishes by a waiter at the table or the artistic decoration of our magnificent dinner. Everywhere I go, I encounter aesthetic and appealing impressions.
Culinary delights too (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The food on offer leaves nothing to be desired. I particularly enjoyed the daily changing homemade pasta and the tartare made from the best dry-aged beef, which is stored in a special cooling and maturing cabinet.
Bravissimo QC Termegarda! My senses got their money’s worth and the golf rounds on the two varied and different courses were great fun.
Palmares Golf is situated in the coastal region of Lagos, Portugal. The golf course offers a unique blend of parkland, heathland, and links golf set in a picturesque seaside environment. Designed by the prominent architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features three nine-hole linked loops known as Alvor, Lagos, and Praia. These loops extend down to the ocean, offering golfers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and challenging gameplay across 27 holes.
Golf With a View at Palmares Golf
The course caters to all abilities and ages with a range of tees available. One notable hole on the course is Hole 4, which spans 544 meters and is a par five. This particular hole descends through a deep protected valley, with an elevated tee aiming towards the Alvor lagoon. The fairways are lined with olive trees and other local vegetation, creating an aesthetically pleasing yet competitive experience for golfers.
From a practical perspective, Palmares Golf offers a “Summer Offer,” allowing golfers to enjoy 18 holes including a buggy for a price of €101 per person, with the offer valid until September 8, 2024. This provides an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts to explore the course’s diverse landscapes while benefiting from the convenience provided by the included buggy.
In terms of amenities, the Palmares clubhouse, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects RCR Arquitectes, offers a relaxing setting with two restaurants. The main restaurant caters to general dining needs, while AL SUD provides a fine dining experience and holds the distinction of being the only Michelin-starred restaurant in a golf clubhouse in the Algarve. For accommodation, a variety of options are available including one, two, or three-bedroom signature apartments and the boutique five-star 20-room Palmares Beach House Hotel. These options cater to golfers, couples, and groups seeking an extended visit to the region.
In summary, Palmares Golf in Lagos, Portugal, is a versatile and distinguished golfing location designed to offer an optimal blend of natural scenery, challenging play, and comprehensive amenities. From its diverse course layout to its luxury clubhouse and varied accommodation options, it provides a holistic golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
The Victoria Golf Club is situated in Valbonne, France. Nestled in the heart of a forest, the club offers a serene environment away from any disturbances, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
Great Greenfee Deals at Victoria Golf Club in France
The golf course caters to both beginners and experienced players. Beginners can appreciate the diverse aspects of the game provided by the course layout, while more seasoned golfers can find it equally engaging. The course’s design ensures that every player can find their game challenged, no matter their proficiency level.
The Victoria Golf Club provides different playing options through various packages. The Albatros package costs 48 euros and includes one token, nine holes, and a meal. The Eagle package, priced at 49 euros, comprises nine holes and a golf cart. For those opting for the Birdie package at 30 euros, the offer includes one token and nine or more holes.
In summary, the Victoria Golf Club in Valbonne offers a picturesque setting perfect for both novice and advanced golfers. The club’s diverse packages provide flexibility and accessibility for all players, enhancing their overall golfing experience.
Located in Risskov, Denmark, the Mollerup Golf Club offers a diverse golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The club prides itself on a course that encourages strategic thinking with each shot.
“Strategy Over Power” – The Mollerup Golf Club in Denmark
Among the standout features of the Mollerup Golf Club are its nature and surroundings, which provide a serene backdrop for a day of golfing. The course is accessible to players regardless of their handicaps, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. The emphasis on strategy rather than just power sets this course apart.
In addition to the course, the Mollerup Golf Club offers attractive green fee deals and access to highly trained golfing instructors. These aspects enhance the value provided to members and visitors alike. The quality of training available helps golfers improve their skills, making the club a hub for both leisure and learning.
The Mollerup Golf Club is also known for its on-site restaurant, which serves delicous food. This adds to the overall appeal of visiting the club, allowing golfers to enjoy a hearty meal after a round of golf. The combination of golf and dining makes the Mollerup Golf Club a well-rounded destination for enthusiasts.
In summary, the Mollerup Golf Club in Risskov, Denmark, combines a thought-provoking course with natural surroundings, accessible play for all handicaps, and quality amenities. The club stands out for its green fee bargains, exceptional trainers, and a well-regarded restaurant, making it a comprehensive destination for golfers.
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.
Pula Golf Resort and Club de Golf Alcanada. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
The plane takes off on time from Cologne-Bonn airport just before 5:30 a.m. After a smooth flight and a one-hour car journey across the island, I’m sitting on the inviting terrace of the Pula Golf Resort in the east of Majorca just over three and a half hours later.
I enjoy the pleasant temperatures in the morning sun and the hearty breakfast. Freshly fortified, I pick up my electric cart and hired clubs and play my first relaxed round on the adjacent golf course.
#18 in front of clubhouse and driving range. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Vamos a la Playa
With a German club member, I make a short trip to the nearby Los Pinos Beach in Son Servera, whose Bar Playa is known for its delicious fish dishes. Here, we savor freshly caught grilled sole with a glass of crisp white wine.
The view of the turquoise-colored Mediterranean Sea is just as magnificent as the laid-back ambiance. The aroma of freshly roasted garlic pervades the bar, which is popular with locals and foreigners alike, and whose attentive and friendly staff exude pure joie de vivre.
Perfect lunch on a beautiful beach. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Spanish, English, and German are spoken. A number of our compatriots have purchased property in this charming and peaceful area of the island and opted for membership at Pula Golf.
The resort, owned by the Sala family, is the ideal base for exploring the golf courses in the east and north of the island. Their son, Arnau, runs it with great passion as General Manager. Ten of the 31 rooms are located in the Majorcan-style manor house dating back to 1561, in front of which is the putting green. The stylish building and its small chapel are also used for wedding celebrations.
Stylish manor house and chapel from the 16th century. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The remaining accommodation units are divided between superior and deluxe apartments, which are located opposite the manor house at ground level and surrounded by magnificent nature, which is where I stay. It is modern and functionally furnished and is situated right next to one of Majorca’s typical windmills. Green fees are free for guests of some room types.
Apartements surrounded by natural vegetation. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
A total of 24 golf courses are spread across the island. With the Golf East Mallorca packages, you can play Pula Golf and the nearby courses at the Club de Golf de Son Servera and Capdepera Golf at discounted rates. A round on the course of Club de Golf Alcanada, which has been recognized as the number one on the island many times over and enjoys an excellent international reputation, is also possible.
Location, Location, Location
Less than an hour from Son Servera, Majorca’s top club is located in the far north of the island with a fantastic view of the bay of Alcudia. On the small offshore island that gave the club its name, there is a lighthouse dating back to 1861, which was manually operated until 1960 when automation took over. As a tribute to this historic lighthouse, the Club de Golf Alcanada incorporated it into their logo.
Always the sea in view. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Opened in 2003, its owner, Hans-Peter Porsche, recruited Robert Trent Jones Jr. to design the course. The par 72 course is 6,559 meters long from the back tees and offers views of the sea from 17 holes; the only course on Majorca that lies directly on the coast.
The layout of the course is varied. Most of the holes lead uphill and downhill, sometimes through valleys and ravines. The course is surrounded by a dense tree population including pine and olive trees as well as holm oaks that flank the fairways.
Old trees surround the fairways. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I particularly enjoy the tee shots from the elevated tees into the steeply sloping fairways, while the bunkers placed in the center of the fairways, typical of RTJ Jr., are also one of the standout characteristics of the course.
The challenging course requires a strategic game. The first five holes are particularly tough, with mental strength required on the holes where ravines (barrancas) have to be overcome.
Not forgetting the firm and fast greens, which have a stimpmeter of 11.0 on our round, meaning that two putts is a great result! The minimum HCP of 33 for men and 35 for women is fully justified.
The condition of the tee boxes, fairways, and greens, including the clubhouse and various practice facilities, is immaculate. This also includes the Toptracer driving range, which was the first of its kind on Majorca. In particular, the perfect conditioning of the bunkers with their precisely cut edges and finely raked sand is also striking, thanks to more than 20 greenkeepers. Too beautiful to play in.
Too beautiful to play in. (Photo: AZALEA)
Host of the Rolex Challenge Tour Finals Supported by The R&A
The club, a founding member of the Leading Courses of Spain, is delighted to be hosting the final tournament of the Road to Mallorca tournament series in 2024 for the fourth time since 2019. At the end of October 2024, the 45 top-ranked players will compete for one of the 20 tour cards that entitle them to participate in the DP World Tour the following season.
German Golf Director Kristoff Both can think of no better way to promote the club than through the repeated live TV broadcasts on the four tournament days.
The club has also attracted attention in the past with the Spanish Senior Championship and one of the most recognized men’s amateur tournaments in the world, the International Spanish Amateur Men’s Championship Copa S.M. El Rey, held here for the second time in 2024.
We pass the attractive halfway house, the Lighthouse Bar, after #9 and a second time after #15, offering refreshing hot and cold drinks and tasty snacks.
The club has been using recycled wastewater from the neighboring hotels in Alcudia to irrigate the course since 1990. Indeed, the club has been regularly awarded the annual Q Calidad Turistica seal for quality, service, and the environment since 2010. Tetra Bricks have been used instead of plastic bottles since 2019, and water stations at various points on the course ensure you can refill your own drinking bottles during your round.
Everything at the Highest Level
After a challenging round of golf, a great lunch awaits us on the clubhouse terrace in a fantastic location. Soaking in the marvelous view over the bay, I particularly enjoy the excellent Pulpo a la Brasa and the spicy Gambas al Ajillo from the numerous excellent tapas on offer.
The aesthetics found throughout the club grounds are unrivaled. Eye-catchers include the starter’s house and the iconic clock from the American watch manufacturer VERDIN. This includes, for me, the colorfully designed pro shop, which is located together with the restaurant in a Majorcan-style building dating back to the 17th century.
Inviting starter house and pro shop. (Photo: Azalea)
More Than a Golf Course
Back at the Pula Golf Resort, I see for myself to what extent the aforementioned slogan is true. The small outdoor pool is just as inviting as the fully equipped Gym & Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art training equipment, which is complimentary for hotel guests. I don’t make use of the resort’s own physiotherapist or the various beauty treatments on offer.
Completely relaxed, I look forward to dinner in the S’Era de Pula restaurant, as the resort also knows how to impress with its cuisine. After an aperitivo at the bar, it’s not easy to choose from the Mediterranean cuisine with local produce from the 6,000 square meter fruit, vegetable, and herb garden where organic cultivation is a top priority.
Restaurant in typical local style. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Sustainability plays an important role at the resort, where a circular economy is practiced. The resort is the first ‘Competitive Regenerative Hotel’ in the whole of Spain to have its own golf course. Measures include the avoidance and reduction of plastic, including the refilling of drinking bottles with still and sparkling water throughout the property, the use of solar energy, and the use of recycled water on the golf course.
Sustainability on the golf course. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
European Tour Course
Pula Golf has existed since 1995 and owes its original design to Francisco Segalés. The course was redesigned between 2004 and 2006 by two-time Masters champion and 23-time winner on the European Tour José María Olázabal. Oli transformed it into a 6,297 meter long, par 72, championship course from the back tees.
His last Tour victory on this course dates back to 2005, when he won the Mallorca Classic, which took place here between 2003-2007. The current layout has been in place since 2010, when some final adjustments were made. This was followed by the 2013-2017 Olazábal & Nadal Invitational, a Pro-Am tournament in favor of the Rafa Nadal and Sport Mundi Foundation.
Photos of former champions adorn the clubhouse. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I agree with the owner’s description of the course in the Birdie Book as ‘Challenging but fair’ and ‘Tough Par, Easy Bogey’.
The course is divided into three distinct areas that can be reached through tunnels that pass under roads. Each hole has its own character.
Most of the holes lead uphill and downhill through open terrain. The course is characterized by several elevated tee boxes, greens that can be played blind, numerous bunkers, and two lakes with watercourses. The fairways offer plenty of approach shots, while there is no rough worth mentioning. Fairways, greens, and bunkers are in well-kept condition, with only the tee boxes needing some room for improvement. Overall, the course is fun to play.
Constantly uphill #10 and downhill #16. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Pula Golf was the first course on Majorca and the second in Spain to be equipped with a Trackman driving range. This is double-decked and is located between #1 and #18 right next to the clubhouse.
Two-level tees. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I enjoyed my golf trip to the Germans’ favorite island and can highly recommend this perfectly run resort with its great service and attentive staff.
On the way to the airport, I pass Manacor, the third largest town in Majorca. It is particularly famous for its industrial pearl production. Another attraction is the impressive training center of tennis’s great Rafael Nadal.
Sports enthusiasts should visit this center and the adjoining Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience. It offers numerous interactive opportunities to practice different sports and provides an overview of the champion’s greatest successes.
Majorca’s most famous sportsman. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Rafa is a passionate golfer with a HCP in the low +range. However, his extraordinary swing is probably not on any golf pro’s training program.
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.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia, located in Murlo, Italy, is set amidst the scenic backdrop of Tuscany. The golf course is situated 12 kilometers from the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Siena, making it easily accessible from several major airports including Rome, Florence, Pisa, and Bologna. The close proximity to renowned wine regions such as Montalcino and Chianti adds further appeal to this Tuscan getaway.
Robert Trent Jones Jr. Design in Tuscan Countryside – The Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Golf La Bagnaia spans 130 hectares of Tuscan countryside. Recognized for its exceptional practice facilities, the club features a short game area with a large putting green, two pitching greens, and a grass tee driving range extending 300 meters in length and 125 meters in width. The practice facilities are reputedly among the best in Europe. For those who need equipment, Taylormade Qi10 rental clubs are available for both right and left-handed golfers.
The course itself provides a challenging yet enjoyable layout with a good variation from hole to hole. There are various tee boxes to choose from, catering to players of all skill levels. Golfers must be particularly mindful of the subtle undulation changes throughout the course. Thoughtful club selection is crucial to navigating the course successfully and achieving a good score.
One of the standout features of Royal Golf La Bagnaia is its 521-meter, uphill par 5 18th hole. This hole is noted for its 13 strategically placed bunkers across the fairway. The correct choice of clubs for the second and third shots is essential. The 18th hole also provides a picturesque backdrop that includes the clubhouse, enhancing the overall experience.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia offers multiple “stay & play” packages in conjunction with its on-property resort. These packages provide an enticing option for those looking to extend their visit and fully immerse themselves in both golf and the local Tuscan culture. The combination of a challenging golf course, excellent facilities, and a beautiful location in the Tuscan countryside makes Royal Golf La Bagnaia a noteworthy destination for golf enthusiasts.
