Playing golf in the heart of Italy's Alpine region seems like a silly pursuit. It is very high, very rocky, very steep and very cold. It's definitely not something to do! The truth of the matter is that if you go to the Aoste Valley region of Italy during the summer a real Golf feast, not to mention wine and food, awaits Golfers of all skill levels. Words: Graham McKenzie Photo: Gordon Oakley
Our journey began with an early morning departure from London Gatwick and, passing through Torino Caselli Airport, we soon headed to the village of Aoste and lunch at the locals' favorite restaurant the Bataclan. The culinary experience here is the perfect introduction to the rich flavors of the region as we both tuck into freshly made pasta and a glass of local beer. What better arrangements could there be for an afternoon of golf?
FIRST ROUND
The Golf Club Arsanières is a beautiful course, located in the heart of the Aoste Valley, offering stunning views and a challenging layout. The club is privately owned and will never host a European Open, the short 9-hole course offers the perfect challenge for a first-timer at altitude Golf.
Green is fast and well maintained with a small amount of water. The spectacular view directly down the valley and across to the Matterhorn is however world class. Each cycle will take about a quarter of an hour longer than usual as one takes in the incredible beauty.
It is not usually encouraged but be sure to take your camera or phone to take pictures of your surroundings.
After a quick refreshment in the small clubhouse we moved on to Cervinia which is better known as Italy's busiest resort. Hotel Bucaneve was our place to sleep for the night and dinner was at Enoteca Twenty Seven, a cozy place within walking distance from our beds.
The night was spent enjoying good food and local delicacies thus setting the tone for the events to come.
KING'S ELECTRIC BRAKES
The next day began with a visit to the Cervino Golf Club, known for its unique 18-hole course that offers a memorable golf experience. The elevation of the course offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, making each swing a total delight.
Created by Donald Harradine in the early 1950s, at an altitude of 6,500 ft above sea level it is one of the highest courses in Europe. Open from June 1stSt until September 30th The club has an enthusiastic membership and many competitions during the short season.
Some of the players have unique golf carts. In fact, they are not buggies at all but electric mountain bikes that players ride with clubs strapped to their backs. It sounds not R&A but it works, doesn't damage the course and seems to work very well. Maybe something to consider at your local club's AGM?
The course is designed around the unique natural contour of the country and offers the players a magnificent panorama in full view of the glorious image of the “Gran Becca” – The Matterhorn as it is known in the Aoste Valley. The front 9 takes you down to a small valley, the last three holes on the front nine present the biggest challenges.
Make sure you get the line from the tee otherwise disaster can happen. The back nine climbs up the valley, testing patience and accuracy, although the 12th and 16th holes offer something easier for the 18th.th it will bring you back to reality.
The greens are smooth and of very high quality at this elevation. The course is a 5300-meter par-69, which means that Cervino Golf Club can take its place as one of the most important golf clubs in the Alps.
Lunch was taken at Restaurant Da Mario, conveniently located near the golf course. Local wine and, since one is in Italy, local food provides the perfect relaxation after a morning on vegetables. Fresh Pasta, chilled white wine, crusty bread with a view on Gran Becca – Paradiso.
CABLE CAR TRIP
Next up on this Italian Alpine Golf Odyssey was the resort of Courmayeur. where we entered the Wellness Hotel Alpissima Gran Baita.
The morning dawned with a cloudless sky and before we boarded the Golf it was time for a morning trip up the charming mountain of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) using the Skyway Cable car.
The ride is an exhilarating experience, offering a unique view of the Alps in a modern vehicle that rotates ever so slightly as you ascend to ensure a full panoramic experience.
The top is just beautiful. Alpine gardens, fine dining, sunbathing areas and views to kill for. You can even extend your day by taking the cable car to the other side of the mountain and arriving in Chamonix, France although the cable car transport is not as modern as the Italian version.
MONT BLANC VIEWS
The call of the fairways was strong however and we headed to the Golf Club Courmayeur The course, set against the backdrop of the majestic Mont Blanc, offers a challenging but rewarding experience.
The club's rich history and well-maintained fairways make it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. I would say it was pretty much the same in terms of high altitude golf, amazing views as provided but this course was probably the highest quality of the three.
At around 6,200 yards it entered the tournament fairways with the Dora Baltea river running as a backbone through the course.
HENRY COTTON
Visit in late spring to early summer and you'll get the best view of the powerful meltwater flow. This course was born in the thirties based on the project of the Englishman Peter Gannon, and was revised in the 1940s by Henry Cotton.
The quality shines through at every turn of the course that was designed at a time when golf was the domain of the privileged few and limited to those who visited the mountain in the summer for health reasons.
Today the club has an ever-growing school of local players who seem to enjoy the competition of a healthy Golf Club.
The long fertile fairways with water found on almost every hole are tripled with dramatic elevation changes. Every time you play just one quick glance up will bring you a view of the snowy Mont Bianco above. It's really exciting.
As one would expect for a club with Henry Cottons stamp of approval, lunch was good. The daily pasta special is washed down with local refreshments and a fresh fruit dessert topped with homemade ice cream.
This tour offers the perfect combination of golfing, culinary delights, and stunning scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for any golf enthusiast. Each golf course we visited offered unique challenges and stunning views, showcasing the best of Northern Italy golf.
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