Golf in Italy
Author: Trevor Jones
The spectacular mountain views and shores of Italy continue to inspire traditional painters and photographers but the landscape may be about to change as Golf fever takes hold. Works of art created by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player sit proudly amongst Italy's 249 courses. These exceptional new developments welcome your visit and offer a real treat for Italy's golf tourists.
Golf in Italy is primarily focused around two Northern regions - Milan and Tuscany.
The Lombardy Lakes District houses some of Italy's most impressive golfing treasures, with Lake Como being the jewel in the crown. The famous La Pine tine parkland Golf Club is set amidst 158 acres of beautiful unspoiled Italian countryside near Briana and should not be missed. Close by is one of Italy's most prestigious golf courses, Golf Club Le Robin. This Jack Nicklaus's only Italian project and a must for all golf connoisseurs. Prices are not cheap as you would expect but the beauty of the course is worth the green fee alone. The Villa d'Atre Golf Club is another course not to be missed. It sits at almost 1200 feet in sunbathed Briana and is considered one of most enjoyable and entertaining challenges in the whole of Europe. The famous Milano Golf Club completes this impressive list. The fact that this 27-hole beauty frequently hosts the Italian Open should tell you all you need to know about its unquestionable quality. Again prices reflect the status of the course but you will not be disappointed.
Tuscany is known more for its idyllic landscapes and historic architecture than for its golf courses, but don't be fooled. Tuscany houses some of Italy's most beautiful and challenging golfing destinations. The mostly mountainous and hilly terrain lends itself perfectly to the creation of naturally spectacular golf courses, and none demonstrates this more so than the Loggia Dei Medici Golf Club which, despite only opening for play in 1995, has been compared in standards to Ireland's K Club, host of the 2006 Ryder Cup, and The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA. It came as no surprise that Loggia Dei Medici Golf Club was recently named the best new course in Italy. Finally the Le Pavoniere Golf Club near Prato completes the collection. Set amongst holm-oaks, Cluster pines and Tuscany's familiar cypresses this parkland course is not for the wayward golfer. Tight fairways and small greens make accuracy and a deft short game a must.
Southern Italy
Southern Italy is a bit of an undiscovered gem in terms of golf holidays with its wonderful climate and rural settings. The main destinations for golf tourist in South Italy are in Apulia (or Puglia as it's known in Italy) which has a number of challenging 9 and 18 hole courses, and Calabria which forms the toe of the boot, and is developing into a prime destination for property investors and golfers alike, despite only have three established 9 hole courses. Although Calabria is not your typical golf destination, major investment in golf is expected over the next few years and a championship course may not be that far away. This expected investment will no doubt increase Calabria's tourism appeal, and has consequently fuelled a recent surge in the Calabria Property market.
About the author:
Trevor Jones is a golf enthusiast who regularly takes golf holidays to Europe. His favorite destination to-date is the Algarve in Portugal
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