4 nights at Hotel Ristorante L'Approdo with breakfast plus 2 green fees (GC Bogogno and GC Alpino di Stresa)

Arriving at Bogogno on a day with a clear blue sky is an experience that is impossible to forget: the Monte Rosa massif stands majestically on the horizon and its presence accompanies a panorama that may be enjoyed from the clubhouse and for the most part of the two 18-hole courses, the Bonora and the Conte. It is indeed the third Italian golf club (and second in Piedmont) in the order of seniority to boast 36 holes, opened in 1996 and completed in its current version in 2000. Conceived to become a holiday home for Milan and Turin natives – the two regional capitals are equidistant, less than an hour by car – it is surrounded by elegant but never garish or indiscreet homes; a hotel was recently built facing hole no. 9 of the Conte course which is very convenient. The American golf project architect, Robert von Hagge, created two courses whose difficulty changes significantly according to whether the champion tees or the standards tees are used. The Conte course, generally used for more important tournaments, is flat with water hazards that affect 13 holes mainly in the form of ponds. On the Bonora course, water is present on almost all the holes, and is more physically demanding because it is more undulating. Centrally located with regard to the two courses, the clubhouse, as were most of the residences, was designed by the French architect François Spoerry in a sober, country style with large picture windows and comfortable areas, true meeting places very much enjoyed by members. Course: “Del Conte”, Par 72, 6206 meters Architect: van Hagge Topography: flat Distinctive features: high roughs and relatively small fairways Links course big spaces, wide and flat ground Two courses that cannot be missing in the itinerary of a golfer visiting the Piedmont; the Bonora, more suited to medium – low handicaps, is a true masterpiece of golf architecture. From the first tee to the final shot towards the 18th green (Par 4 with a frontal water hazard), it is a succession of traps and difficulties. The five Par 5s of this course are to be savoured as they abound with hazards inserted in crucial situations to challenge players’ strategic skills. When played from the furthest tees, I consider the Bonora a true Ryder Cup course. The Conte course is somewhat less difficult but the architect has also skillfully designed the 18 splendid and entertaining holes here; the sequence of Holes 12-15 is quite unusual with three Par 5s broken up by a fantastic and spectacular Par 3 (Hole 13); four holes that will help you gain some strokes and adjust your score.

Among the golf courses around Lake Maggiore, the oldest one is Alpino di Stresa Golf Club, high in the hills overlooking the most famous town of the area. From this strategic location you can enjoy the pleasure of an extraordinary panoramic view of the lake and the Alps. You will be welcomed in a friendly atmosphere in this 9 holes only club, designed in 1924 by Peter Gannon. The course has a distinctive trait that distinguishes it from any other: the architect was left-handed and that has been reflected in the project, later developed by the professional Francesco Pasquali, who won the first Italian Open on this very golf course in 1925, followed by two other championships. The layout runs clockwise and the left section becomes punishing, often to the very edge of the out of bound limit. Despite the 700 m. altitude, only holes 1,3, 4 and 9 are uneven. Overall it is a short but quite difficult course, with some narrow and dodgy fairways, many tall trees along the tracks, small and fast greens, protected by bunkers. As a compensation, a unique detail: you will never find a bunker on the fairways, nor any water hazard. Technical Details Course : 9 holes, Par 69, 5397 meters. Architects: Peter Gannon, Francesco Pasquali Topography: hilly Distinctive features: the greens are not so visible when you throw in the ball. Pro’s comments Almost 100 years of history but it doesn’t look it! At Alpino di Stresa Golf Club you can play and have fun on a course with steep slopes, where precision is much more needed than strength; 9 holes to play tiptoeing, without of bounds always at your left. If you don’t hook, delight is guaranteed