4 nights at Villa Braida, breakfast, 3 green fees

We are around twenty kilometers from the Venetian Lagoon, a World Heritage site: either before or after an obligatory tour of the Serenissima, or better Venice, golf lovers simply cannot miss playing a match at the Golf Club Ca’ della Nave in Martellago, a gem designed by Arnold Palmer on terrain dominated by the aristocratic majesty of the 16th century Villa Grimani Morosini. The great American champion who designed the course in the mid-1980s perhaps drew inspiration from Venice when he decided to insert artificial lakes and water hazards onto no less than 12 of the 18 championship holes – but not even the 9 executive holes are exempt from red stakes! The most difficult is Hole 2, a par 4 of 370 meters, picturesque and rolling with the lake flanking it on the right for the length of the fairway. Two bunkers there awaiting the landing of your first shot and another to defend the entrance to the green complicate things considerably. Hole 14 is also spectacular, a par 4 of 278 meters, where the fairway is an islet in the middle of a large lake: from the tee, you have to cross a small bridge to reach the ball, and the same must be done to reach the green which, in addition to the water in the front, is also defended by three bunkers. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6366 meters Architect: Arnold Palmer Topography: flat with artificial hills and undulated fairways. Distinctive features: you can recognize everywhere the American style. The play is amusing thanks to artificial slopes and well-placed water hazards. Pro’s comments Arnold Palmer’s hand is clearly seen in the design of this splendid course; lots of water, bunkers on the dogleg bends and in defense of the greens which are wide and welcoming. Much about this course is already revealed by Hole 2, a handicap 1; almost 400 meters from the furthest tee, water on the right and a green defended by a bunker on the left; you will find water another 11 times by the time you have completed the round but don’t be discouraged; the course is not that difficult and everyone will have a ball. Bravo Arnie!!!

Choosing Ca’ Amata means treating yourself with a golf day in a romantic eighteenth-century atmosphere, in the heart of an area – the province of Treviso – which offers a vast amount of interesting sightseeing opportunities. The course, created in 1991, has been cut out from the park of the Villa of the same name, one of the most prestigious examples of the eighteenth-century Venetian architecture. There are also guided tours (booking required). The environment is beautiful and well maintained, framed by trees, bushes and flowers, adding elegance along the fairways. Eleven of the 18 holes include lakes and streams, to catch inaccurate shots; and lovers of beauty will notice that even the water hazards adhere to strict aesthetic rules, with architectural elements belonging to the most beautiful romantic parks: ledges, small bridges, little waterfalls characterize the whole course. The track, entirely flat, covers a vast area, 75 hectares, starting a course which allows the golfer spectacularly long shots. The large fairways forgive imprecise shots, but the greens – sometimes very big, others smaller and technically challenging with many slopes – are less forgiving. Very long Par 4s alternate with shorter holes, making the course a real challenge, even for the more expert players. The climate here is mild: you can happily play almost all year long. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 5686 meters Architect: Marco Croze Topography: flat, numerous water hazards Distinctive features: strategic game is essential; it’s bound to test your nerves with water coming into play on many holes.

At Mogliano Veneto, in the Treviso province but only 23 Km from Venice, Golf Club Villa Condulmer awaits you, a successful combination of farming landscape, art, history, hospitality and good food. The front 9 holes date back to 1960, designed by John Harris among the ancient trees in the park of the homonymous eighteenth-century villa; the back 9 holes were designed by Marco Croze in 1970. Here more length from the tee is required, fairways are flat but the presence of many water hazards and the very well defended small and fast greens make the game an interesting challenge. The 2nd hole can be considered one of the most enjoyable to play. A 350 m left dogleg par 4, it gives the player a creative second shot to get past the villa’s ancient gate. A shot you will keep in your memory forever. The fascinating clubhouse deserves a special note: it is an old farmhouse, carefully restored keeping its original traits. By the veranda, a panoramic terrace run along the southern side of the building, giving an inspiring view over the ancient park of the villa. Course: 18 holes, Par 71, 5955 metres Architects: John Harris and Marco Croze Topography: from flat to slightly hilly Distinctive features: the front 9 holes as well as the back 9 offer a pleasant and varied game