Golf Club Le Robinie Solbiate olona

In springtime they are covered with white fragrant flowers. They are the locust trees which give the club its name, trees that are often imposing, also known as acacias, which are easily found in Lombardy woodlands. The club is very close to the Malpensa Airport, a destination that is easily reached due to its proximity to the motorway, where Jack Nicklaus in the early 1990s was asked to decide how to sculpt those flat 70 hectares to create a course that was worthy of his name. The Golden Bear had no doubts as to what was needed to obtain a course able to host international events, a Stadium Course where spectators would have a privileged vantage point to see what was actually happening on the course. So bulldozers moved no less that two million cubic meters of earth and gravel to form a masterpiece of hollows, amphitheaters, terraced bunkers and lakes that would bear his unmistakable signature. The result is a challenging yet not severe course where players of all levels, from beginners to professionals, can have a great time because of the five teeing boxes for each hole, to be chosen according to ability, following the rule of “risk-reward” that Nicklaus likes so much. An attacking game is recommended for top players, but those not wanting to risk can play defensively, enjoying a match with commendable results.

Technical Details

Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6168 meters

Architect: Jack Nicklaus

Topography: flat with a lot of water hazards.

Distinctive features: aggressive play, if you want to play your handicap. This course has the very typical mark of Jack Nicklaus, with several difficulties. The aspect of a course does not always correspond to its play. This course, which is the only one Jack Nicklaus designed in Italy, is a true master touch! And he has done his best: strategic bunkers, water hazards and ondulated greens. Everything is there. The Scottish-style tricks, like the hidden bunkers, are in the perfect mode of brilliant

Nicklaus. Pure pleasure for golfers!

Pro’s comments

I truly appreciate Nicklaus’s hand as an architect of golf courses and Le Robinie confirms that sentiment. It is a fair course because you must know how to mix power and precision, where each hole makes a lasting impression but you must always stay far away from the deep bunkers scattered all over the course, a real punishment for unskilled players but panoramically and technically flawless. Holes 17 and 18 which surround a large lake are beautiful and if you are willing to gamble, you will be rewarded, but a cautious strategy of staying away from the water is absolutely worth considering, especially if you are defending a good score. A masterpiece, like the many others, created by the skilled hand of the great American champion.