As keen golfers we are often asked whether we can play in Italy as it is not renowned as a golf destination compared to Spain and Portugal. Edoardo & Francesco Mollinari had to learn somewhere. In Piemonte there are some very good courses close to our house but they are in the countryside and not surrounded by bars and apartments and clubs. They usually have a nice restaurant in situ, sometimes accommodation and tend not to be too busy during the week. Our favourite is I Girasoli whose President (Luciano) is a retired surgeon and committed to ensuring the course is eco-friendly.
Eco ducks on the 1st
This means no chemicals only cutting and watering and lots of hiding places for balls. Green fees are reasonable at €30 midweek which makes up for the price of balls lost in woods or ponds/ditches (that come into play on at least 7 holes). As hard as we try we have never quite succeeded in matching our handicaps at the Royal Eastbourne where we still maintain Overseas membership. I intend to jump on a plane and enter a competition there as soon as I break 85 here. Other excellent courses within 45 minutes of home are Cherasco and Margara. There is another unmentionable one near Asti but that requires SAS training and oxygen.