3 nights at La Merdiana Resort, with breakfast and 1 green fee

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.