St. Anna Golf Club Cogoleto

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 …