Golfing Italia
Mountainside, countryside and seaside - spendid backdrops and demanding fairways at Italy's finest resorts.
Surprising as it may seem the popularity of Italy as a golf destination has only recently begun to take hold in the UK. This is surprising when you consider how dramatic and varied the Italian countryside can be with vast mountain ranges, idyllic Mediterranean coastlines and the quintessential rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria.
Perhaps one of the reasons for the recent change of direction can be linked to the popular combination of golf and spa resorts. Certainly, there is a very healthy association with the game of golf in that 18 holes of play is punctuated by a substantial amount of walking! Golf courses add an important refinement to natural landscapes and are critical in maintaining open spaces. To gauge the variety on offer we review four very different golfing properties across the length and breadth of Italy:
1) Cala di Volpe (Pevero) , Sardinia
This world-renowned 18 hole golf course, owned by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc, stretches from the gulf of Pevero to the bay of Cala di Volpe. It is a magical place, with views of the sea from every hole. Located just minutes from the majestic Cala di Volpe Hotel and chic Porto Cervo, this course takes full advantage of the magnificent natural surroundings of the exclusive Costa Smeralda.
2) Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf, Dolomites
The prospect of playing at one of the most exciting new golf courses, Cortina Golf, will certainly be drawing new clients to the famous Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf from late spring all the way into Autumn. Nine holes are in play with a further nine holes in development. A special arrangement enables guests at the hotel to play at this executive club.
3) Terme di Saturnia, Southern Tuscany
The Tuscan Maremma’s mild climate and nearby hot springs makes this course an ideal all-year-round golf destination. The project is the brainchild of architect Ronald Fream of Golfplan, who has been involved with some of the most prestigious courses in the world. The 18-hole, par 72 and 6,294m course is gently undulating and full of hazards and bunkers defending wide and long greens.
4) Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
The resort is set over 230 hectares of stunning landscape with 1.8km of private coastline, yet has just 203 rooms and suites giving a true sense of space and privacy. All rooms have private terraces and sea views and the Olga Polizzi- designed interiors combine modern luxury with authentic Sicilian motifs. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses and a 9-hole, designed by leading architect Kyle Phillips.
This article is taken from our Travel Magazine, Bon Voyage. To get your copy click here.