Posts Tagged ‘Italy’

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, Italy

Apr 1st
2013

In the heart of Baroque Sicily near Ragusa lies the Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, located in one of the most fascinating parts of Sicily. The pride and joy of the resort are the two exclusive 18-hole championship golf courses designed by two internationally renowned masters.

The “Parkland” north course designed by Gary Player flows among olive groves and carob trees, the characteristic landscape of Ragusa. The course is totally immersed in the world of nature and between holes the golfers can even explore a Greek cemetery from the 6th century A.D.

In contrast, you can take in the “Links” south course designed by Franco Piras with a single glance as it follows two valleys as if it were the palette of an artist displaying all the shades of the beautiful colours of Sicily. But wait, there’s more

Gardagolf Country Club, Italy

Dec 3rd
2012

The Gardagolf Country Club is an Italian golf course located in Soiano del Lago, close to the Lake Garda in the Province of Brescia. The first 18 holes (Red and White Course) designed by Cotton, Pennick, Steel & Partners were inaugurated on the 28th of June 1986, while the Yellow Course was added in 1990.

This wonderfully undulating and excellently maintained layout will test your full range of shot-making, while rewarding you with some of the best views offered from any golf course in Lombardy. To the east is Lake Garda, away to the north, the Alps. Many of the area’s historic attractions fill the foreground; not least the very impressive 10th century Soiano Castle and the renowned Rocca di Manerba. But wait, there’s more

Argentario Golf Club, Porto Ercole, Italy

Nov 5th
2012

In the heart of Maremma the Argentario Golf Club meanders through an oasis, which is being protected by Mediterranean forests, offering extremely beautiful, panoramic views. Situated only 5 minutes from the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve and 25 km from the Parco dell’Uccellina Reserve the Argentario Golf Club benefits from the Orbetello Lagoon, the sea and the hillside which offer a beautiful panorama and the perfect micro-climate for golf to be played at any time of the year.

Designed by professional golfer Baldoviso Dassù and architect David Mezzacane, this championship 18-hole, Par 71 (6,218 metres ) golf course hosts a number of important competitions at Italian level.

The 18 holes at Argentario have mostly small greens, two of which feature sea and the lagoon whilst one is immersed in the Mediterranean vegetation, and another features water hazard running along one side of the green. A refreshing breeze mitigates the temperature and adds an extra challenge to the game which, on this course, requires a combination of accuracy and power.

The course has been awarded the “Agri Cert” certification for its bio eco-compatibility, and all products used for its maintenance are completely natural.

Whether you are fine-tuning your technique or learning the rudiments of the game, the Argentario Golf Club offers a truly diverse and unique golfing experience.

Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, Italy

Jun 5th
2011

Set in a typically alpine terrain in the province of Combo at the Lombardia region, the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club is the second oldest Golf Club in Italy and a proud tribute to the best British golf tradition. History claims that in the early 1900’s an English man has  estabilished with the family in the region to enjoy his father’s inheritance from many years of colonial activity in India. As a typical English gentleman he could not quit golf and so he had a 9-hole-course arranged, which soon became the most popular meeting place for all golf enthusiasts of the region. Together with some friends they supported the building of a nine hole a course at Dervion which was out of the way as they needed to traverse the lake for a game of golf.

They have later found the ideal place for their course, an hilly area in Grandola ed Uniti near Menagggio which was much closer; finally the Menaggio and Cadenabbia Golf Club emerged. All do there are some discrepancies about the inauguration date (1903 or 1907) the Italian Golf Federation defines 1906 as the year of the club’s affiliation. The course is a Par 70 with 5476 meters overlooking the Lake Como and combining old-world values with a heritage of golfing culture. The elevated position of the course provides splendid views in all directions with its 18 holes running up and down according to its natural terrain. Some holes are steep and some fairways narrow and the greens are decidedly undulating.

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Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Italy

Apr 11th
2011

The warm climate of Sicily, in Italy, makes the island an excellent all-year-round destination for golf, the courses at Verdura Golf & Spa Resort make it a truly world-class one. Sicily’s first championship venue is actually comprised of two strong 18-hole courses designed by Kyle Phillips, the East and the West, with the Mediterranean Sea in view from every hole. With nearly 2 kilometers of beach frontage in the resort it would have been easy to build one course along the coastline and have the other away from the sea, there was plenty of natural undulation through the deceptively spacious interior, however, the designer wisely choose to spread the best holes, and best terrain, across both courses, giving each a tremendous seaside closing run and an exciting central area that touches the blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Despite both tracks being built to the same standard, and occupying similar ground, the East and West courses provide alternate journeys for golfers to enjoy. Both start beside an internal practice range, the West has a more out and back arrangement with a long stretch of consecutive holes on the front nine but a stirring four hole seaside finale. The East, by contrast, enjoys a two loop routing that changes direction more frequently, its 18th hole is played right alongside the cliffs but the rest of the closing stretch is set on higher, tumbling ground.

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Beach Golf (Pescara, Italy)

Dec 1st
2010


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Beach Golf (Sardegna, Italy)

Nov 20th
2010


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Beach Golf (Roma, Italy)

Nov 6th
2010


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Golf Club Asolo, Italy

Aug 5th
2010

Whatever you require from a golf course, the wonderful Asolo Golf Club, 25 miles from Treviso and 45 miles from Venice, Italy; probably has it. This 27 hole course (three nines, 18 par 72 holes measuring 6239 meters and 9 par 36 holes measuring 3116 meters) is nestled in a valley at the foot of the towering Asolo hills and is the perfect escape for a golfer.

Commissioned by the Benetton family in 1993 to company European Golf Design, the land, at the foothills of the Alps, was previously vineyards on rocky terrain. Construction commenced on the initial 18 holes in 1995 with a brief to include special water features integrating with the numerous streams that flow through the site. At the same time, earth moving to raise the playing area from the low flat wet areas was implemented. To retain the traditional character of the region stone retaining walls were incorporated along with the preservation of numerous trees.

Each of the three nines (Red, Yellow and Green), laid out on flat land surrounded by mountains dotted with medieval villages, is unique in its design and playing difficulty, thus making sure each player is faced with an exciting challenge. The Green and Red are the easier walking courses while the Yellow is best saved for the energetic player. Most holes require a long drive into a strategic position on a generous, winding fairway, followed by an accurate approach shot onto a slick and sloping green. The club facilities include a driving range, pitching and chipping green and two large putting greens.

Circolo Golf Venezia, Italy

Jul 11th
2010

Legend has it that Circolo Golf Venezia was suggested in 1926 by  Henry Ford, President of the Ford Motor Company of America, he was a guest at the exclusive Hotel Excelsior on the Lido, Venice and included in his personal luggage was, naturally, his golf clubs and equipment, the sport of Golf being most popular in America, but yet virtually unknown in Italy. Henry Ford was surprised not to find a golf course and convinced his great friend Italian Count Volpi to Build Italy’s first golf course.

This very particular golf course is one of the most important courses in Italy and is situated at the extreme south of the Venice Lido Island between the sea and the lagoon. The 9 holes course was founded in 1928, and designed by Robert Cruickshank and after the II World War it was extended to 18holes by C.K. Cotton, later it was by Marco Croze. This par 72 course is placed on sand dunes the course is one of the very few “links” in the country; the rough with a sandy bottom requires demanding shots. The greens are wide with some interesting slopes, and natural sand in the bunkers making the play quite difficult.

The departure of the 1st hole is situated above antic Venetian forts, whose walls are elements of numerous holes and therefore offer varied scenery.  Famous golfers played the course: such as Arnold Palmer (5 under par), Henry Cotton, Johnny Miller, Severiano Ballesteros, Tony Jacklin, Lee Treviso and many more.