Italian treasures

Veneto is one of the most historical, natural and cultural regions of Italy, a place where you can enjoy excellent food and wine, from risottos and baccalà mantecato to a fine glass of prosecco or Amarone.

Golf has been a hidden treasure in this region for a long time, its appeal limited to those who have the time and money to invest. For those who can't, it's seen as an exclusive sport.

Now Veneto is promoting golf to international fairs in Valencia, London and Milan, and thanks to rising stars such as Matteo Manassero (born in Verona, Veneto) and the Molinari brothers, the sport is beginning to grow.

There are 43 golf courses in Veneto, with varying terrains in eight golf districts. Verona, Venice and Padua are cities where you can play golf in peaceful surroundings and at the same time you can enjoy the history and the Italian way of life.

Verona Golf Club is located in an immaculate, picturesque landscape, which spreads out among vineyards that frame the Custoza hills in the west of Verona. Mapped out by John Harris, the club will be celebrating its centenary in 2011 with a special pro-am.

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Thanks to its historical background, its beautiful course, comfortable clubhouse and efficiency of its staff, the Golf Club Verona can easily be considered as one of Italy's finest.

From the very beginning the Verona Golf Club has been a supporter of an agronomic, sustainable system of management with a low impact on the environment, and this year it has acquired the prestigious green flag. This recognition is given only to the golf clubs which take part in the 'Committed to Green' project and have achieved first national and then European certification.

You must visit the amazing city of Verona, known as the city of Romeo and Juliet. It offers a lot from the concerts in Arena to the medieval buildings such as Castelvecchio, the taste of great wines and gastronomy, and last but not least the beautiful Lake Garda.

Another special golf course is at Lido di Venezia, the capital of Veneto known as "Serenissima" for its past splendor: Venice Golf Club. The legend says Henry Ford was the creator and many world-famous professionals have played here including Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros and Lee Trevino.

From Lido island you can take a "vaporetto" to Venice and walk around the city centre: Piazza San Marco, Ponte di Rialto, Palazzo Ducale...

Near the city of Padua, famous for the painter Giotto, there are two other important golf courses - Padua and Montecchia.

Padua Golf Club is close to the glorious Euganaean Hills. The city is beautiful too with its arcaded streets opening into large communal squares, and many bridges crossing the various branches of the Bacchiglione. If you want to know more about Padua history you have to visit the 'Prato della Valle' square, the Basilica of Saint Anthony, and the Scrovegni Giotto Chapel.

The there's Montecchia Golf Club which consists of 27 holes. The course is a modern and free design with many water obstacles, wide greens and a lot of bunkers. It is not far from Abano and Montegrotto, where the golfers can relax at the thermal baths after playing.

If you prefer mountains landscape you should head to Cortina d'Ampezzo "the pearl of the Dolomites" where a brand new nine-hole course opened in the summer. This golf course is framed by uniquely beautiful flora and fauna and serves as the perfect place to combine your love of skiing as well.

If you want to know more visit golfinveneto.com

VERONA GOLF CLUB Address: Loc. Ca' del Sale, 15 37066 Sommacampagna (VERONA) W: golfclubverona.com

VENICE GOLF CLUB Address: Strada Vecchia 1 30126 Alberoni (VENICE) W: circologolfvenezia.it

PADUA GOLF CLUB Address: Via Noiera, 57 35030 Galzignano Terme (PADUA) W: golfpadova.it

MONTECCHIA GOLF CLUB Address: Via Montecchia, 12 35030 Selvazzano Dentro (PADUA) W: golfmontecchia.it

CORTINA MIRAMONTI Address: Via Pezi謠104/A 32043 CORTINA D'AMPEZZO

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