7 nights at La Meridiana Resort & Golf and 3 green fees per person (Garlenda Golf Club, St. Anna and Golf degli Ulivi Sanremo)

More hidden than the Rapallo and Sanremo clubs which date back to the 1930s, the Golf Club Garlenda, opened in 1965 in the homonyms town in a valley behind the beaches of Alassio, and has carved out a niche of enthusiasts thanks to the welcoming feel of its property: elegant and informal like a big country home, luxurious yet without ostentation in keeping with the typically Ligurian attitude of understatement. No advertising, only word of mouth and the long tradition of excellence begun by hosting the Italian Open in 1971, and continued by the many national, international and professional championships played on this perennially evolving course. Few water hazards – the Lerrone stream which borders or crosses the course on five holes, and a trap-pond on the second stroke of the 17th – few differences in level, except for Hole 3, the last 150 meters uphill and Hole 10, a short par 4 with a raised tee from where the powerful (and bold) hit to the green. Designed by English architects John Morrison and John Harris who in the mid-1900s did much work in Italy (their names are also found in places ranging from Menaggio and Riva dei Tessali to Biella and Barlassina), the difficulty of the course lies in the tiny greens and in the pressing out of bounds, which do not forgive a lopsided shot. The course’s appeal is instead due to the remarkable difference between one hole and another, never monotonous as they wind through olive trees, oaks and maritime pines, impossible to forget and each with its own special characteristics. Techical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6085 meters Architect: John Morrison Topography: undulating greens, wide water hazards Distinctive features: the more experienced golfer must think over each shot carefully Pro’s comments The 18 holes of the Golf Club Garlenda were designed with common sense in mind. On the longer holes (12 and 16, for example), space is not lacking, so you can push for a little more; on the shorter holes the out of bounds and the small and hilly greens make play more difficult and entertaining. A perfect example is Hole 18, a par 4 that is not long with a raised tee where precision with the first stroke is fundamental to being able to gain entrance on to the green free of the trees on the right part of the fairway: a well defended green and out of bounds on the left part that runs the entire length of the hole.

You must go 160 meters above sea level and travel outside the city for five kilometers to find Sanremo’s 18-hole course, carved out of mountain slopes amongst Val Gogna’s picturesque olive tree groves which descend toward the coast. This is one of Italy’s historic clubs. The first match was played on December 1, 1931, and the official inauguration took place three months later when the clubhouse was completed. Stretching 5203 meters of length, this is no course for “hard-hitters”, with its very technical and delicate holes where players must pay the utmost attention. The holes come one after the other in succession on different levels, taking on the characteristic pattern of the terraced cultivations. The most intriguing is probably the 9th, a par 3 which measures 76 meters from the yellow tees. It is so short that it is regularly underestimated. How much can it take to reach the green with a half pitch shot? Ask Baldovino Dassù, a great champion of the 70s and 80s, who scored a sensational 12 here. It might seem impossible, but you have to keep in mind that the fairway is practically nonexistent. The two bunkers are huge, the green is tiny and sloping, and behind it… hic sunt leones, or rather, there are lions here, meaning there is a precipice amongst the olive trees. Statistics confirm it: more than 45% of the results on this hole are above par. The clubhouse is one of the reasons that makes playing at this club worth it. The atmosphere is one of days gone by, of English aplomb as it was with the first frequenters of the course, with hardwood floors, large airy rooms enclosed by huge picture windows and a terrace that runs along most of the perimeter, offering stunning views of the course and valley. Technical Details: Course : 18 holes, Par 69, 5203 meters Architects : Gannon & Blanford Topography : a lot of slopes, short paths Special features : the first stroke is decisive and its control is very important Pro’s Comments: A miracle!!! I believe the Golf degli Ulivi is truly a miracle. If you consider the portion of land and the machinery that architects, engineers and workers had back in 1925-30 to build a golf course, it can only be considered an extraordinary event. The holes are on different levels and demand maximum precision. You will make your score on the extremely difficult five par 3s (2-9-11-14 and 16). But I find the 14th and 16th two truly complicated holes. Both are longer than 200 meters from the men’s tee, with tiny greens that are defended frontally by rather deep bunkers. Only those who have played there know what I’m talking about. Why not give it a try?

The most recent 18-hole Ligurian course boasts an important signature, that of the American Robert von Hagge, designer of many award-winning courses in the world. At the St. Anna Golf Club in Lerca in the province of Genoa, you will discover a golf club with a genuine and reserved ambiance that is typically Ligurian, with the sea almost within reach in places and in others, hidden amongst the hills where the designer marked out the course. The course is quite undulating and rewards precision rather than length. What is important is to place the ball well in order to attack the multi-level greens, large enough to change the game completely according to the position of the flag. This is no course for the lazy; so if you are, book a golf cart. There are many differences in level, especially on the front nine, and those 65 hectares of terrain winding through olive trees, oaks and pine trees can become exhausting. Once the sport is over, the opportunities for a cultural excursion are endless. Genoa is only half an hour away with its picturesque alleyways in the historic district which lead to the 16th century Porto Antico, the Old Harbor, where you can visit the Galata Museum of the Sea, and the Aquarium – the second largest in Europe after Valencia. Don’t miss the experience of tasting some Genoese street food and stop by one of the fried-food shops in the historic district. Just a stone’s throw away from the Museum, make sure to visit Carega – a historical eatery since 1942 – where you will find the best fritters made with baccalà, dried and salted cod. We also highly recommend the Antica Sciamadda, which dates back to no less than 1874 in Via San Giorgio, where you will find farinata, a chickpea flatbread that is low, crunchy and just greasy enough. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6069 meters Architect: Robert van Hagge Topography: hilly, sometimes steep. Golf car suggested Distinctive features: this course has two faces: the first 9 holes are steep, the last 9 are flat. Highest precision and strategy are required. Pro’s Comments Very demanding on a technical level but also on a physical level. Strategic errors can occur the first time you try on this course. The holes are all interesting and the greens are protected by bunkers and some water hazards. I would like to mention in particular hole 11, a long Par 3 with a water obstacle in front, narrow and very sloping green. Then, hole 17 is a Par 5 which requires great accuracy, as the water on the left and an out of bounds on the right complicate the action. Hole 18, Par 4, has a green located on the top of a small hill. Strength is required! To enjoy this course, don’t hesitate to play it several times and don’t forget to reserve a cart …