5 nights with breakfast at Palazzo di Varignana and 2 green fees per person (Golf Club le Fonti and Bologna)

A young golf club with a short history, it opened in 1999. But the Golf Club Le Fonti already boasts the organization of important professional events in its record book, ranging from the Qualifying School of the Ladies European Tour in 2006 and 2007, and three stops on the Men’s Alps Tour between 2009 and 2011, to the Federgolf National Championship in 2016. It is a lively and welcoming golf course, whose heart and soul, Chairman Ivan Serrantoni, is also the architect behind the 18-hole course which winds through an almost completely flat terrain with very wide fairways and few trees. These are characteristics which might deceive players into considering it an easy course. However, the long distances and many hazards, including but not limited to water, always waiting in ambush, make finishing with a good score nothing to take for granted. If you’d rather play a relaxing match, all you need do is choose one of the more advanced tees and the difficulty is immediately downsized. This destination will be particularly pleasing to those who enjoy combining golf with the relaxation of a spa. Castel San Pietro, along the Via Emilia between Bologna and Imola, is a renowned resort for spa treatments due to the sulphurous and salt water – bromine – iodine waters that flow from the land here – and the pleasures of the palate, to be enjoyed in the clubhouse or the many local trattorias. Technical Details Course : 18 holes, Par 72, 6480 meters Architect : Ivano Serrantoni Topography : spacious, much water, flat Special features : water obstacles present in 7 holes Pro’s comments: Playing golf at Le Fonti is a true pleasure. Undulating holes alternate with flat ones creating a very pleasant mixture. I would like to mention Hole 11, a long Par 4 with a dogleg to the left. You must be powerful and precise to reach the green with two shots, but if you play it cautiously and with intelligence, you should always be able to bring a bogey home.

The courses signed by Cotton have all a common point: they are perfect places to breath sport. The technique progress had to reflect itself even on the design, that’s why in 2000 the course has been adapted to the modern standards. The clubhouse simple and elegant at the same time, is perfectly plunged into this amazing landscape. The restaurant of the club ranks among the best golf restaurants in Italy. Facilities also comprise a swimming pool, a pro-shop, a driving range and a playground for children. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 5949 meters Architects: C.K. Cotton and Harris Topography: slightly hilly. Distinctive features: English style, Inland course, gradually modernized. Pro’s comments On this wonderful historic golf course I especially appreciate the design of the greens. Even though the course is not very long (it doesn’t even reach 6,000 meters), the holes are very different and don’t always make hitting the green easy. The last hole will remain in your memory: a very complicated par 4. The fairway here is very steep and flat to the right, the green is on 2 levels and behind it is the same as the out. A shot beyond the green is absolutely prohibited here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!