Playing Golf in the heart of the Italian Alpine region seems a silly thing to pursue. It’s too high, too rocky, too steep and too cold. Surely not the thing to do! The truth of the matter is that if you head to the Aoste Valley region of Italy during the Summer a veritable feast of Golf, not to mention the wine and food, awaits Golfers of all levels of competence. Words: Graham McKenzie Photography: Gordon Oakley
Our journey began with an early morning departure from London Gatwick and, via Torino Caselli Airport, we soon made our way to the village of Aoste and lunch at the locals’ favourite restaurant Bataclan. The culinary experience here is a perfect introduction to the region’s rich flavours as we both tucked into a freshly made pasta and a glass of local beer. What better preparation could there be for an afternoon’s golf?
FIRST ROUND
Golf Club Arsanières is a picturesque course, nestled in the heart of the Aoste Valley, offering stunning views and a challenging layout. The club is privately owned and whilst it will never host a European Open the relatively short 9-hole layout offers a suitable challenge for one’s initial effort at altitude Golf.
The greens are fast and well maintained with a number of small water features. The outstanding views straight down the valley and across to the Matterhorn are however world class. Each round will take around a quarter of an hour longer than normal as one takes in the breathtaking beauty.
Not normally encouraged but make sure you take your camera or phone to take images of the surrounds.
After a quick refreshment at the tiny club house we transferred to Cervinia better known as one of Italy’s busier ski resorts. Hotel Bucaneve was our accommodation for the night and dinner was at Enoteca Twenty-seven, a cosy spot within walking distance from our beds.
The evening was spent savouring fine wines and local delicacies thus setting the tone for the adventures ahead.
ELECTRIC BIKES ON THE COURSE
The next day began with a visit to Cervino Golf Club, known for its unique 18-hole course that offers a memorable golfing experience. The course’s elevation provides more breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making each swing an absolute visual 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 1st till September 30th the Club has an enthusiastic membership with many competitions throughout the brief season.
Some of the players also have quite unique Golf buggies. In fact, they are not buggies at all but electric mountain bikes upon which the players ride with clubs strapped to their backs. Sounds very non-R&A but it works, doesn’t harm the course and seems very efficient. Perhaps something to consider at your local club AGM?
The course is designed around the unique natural contour of the land and offers players a spectacular panorama in full view of the dazzling image of the “Gran Becca” – The Matterhorn as it is known in the Aoste Valley. The front nine takes you down a narrow valley, with the last three holes of the front nine presenting considerable challenges.
Make sure you get a line from the tee otherwise disaster may strike. The back nine climbs back up the valley, testing both endurance and precision, though holes 12 and 16 offer something a little easier the 18th will bring you back to reality.
The greens are smooth and of excellent quality for this elevation. The course is a 5300-metre par-69, meaning that the 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, as one is in Italy, local food provides the perfect respite after a morning on the greens. Fresh Pasta, chilled white wine, crusty bread staring up at Gran Becca – Paradiso.
CABLE CAR TRIP
Next on this Italian Alpine Golf Odyssey was the upmarket resort of Courmayeur. where we checked into the Wellness Hotel Alpissima Gran Baita.
The morning broke to a cloudless sky and before we embarked on Golf there was time for a morning trip up the very impressive mountain attraction of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) using the Skyway Cable car.
The ride is an exhilarating experience, providing a unique perspective of the Alps in a modern car that rotates very slowly as you ascend to ensure a full panoramic experience.
At the top it’s just beautiful. Alpine gardens, top quality restaurant, sunbathing areas and of course views to kill for. You can even extend your day by taking the cable car to the other side of the mountain and arrive in Chamonix, France although the cable car transportation did not look as modern as the Italian version.
MONT BLANC VIEWS
The call of the fairways was however strong and we headed to Golf Club Courmayeur The course, set against the backdrop of the majestic Mont Blanc, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience.
The club’s rich history and well-maintained fairways make it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. I could say it was more of the same in terms of high altitude golf, spectacular views as a given but this course was perhaps the highest quality of the three.
At almost 6,200 yards it was entering the realms of a proper championship course with the Dora Baltea River running as a spine through the middle of the course.
HENRY COTTON
Visit in late spring early summer and you will see it at its best with a strong flow of meltwater. The course was born in the thirties based on a project by the Englishman Peter Gannon, and was revised in the 1940s by Henry Cotton.
The quality shines through at each juncture of the course designed at a time when Golf was the domain of just a lucky few and limited to those who those who frequented the mountain in summer for pleasure and health reasons.
Today the club boasts an ever growing academy of local players who appear to revel in the competitive climate of a vibrant Golf Club.
Long undulating lush fairways with water featuring on almost every hole are added to by long par threes with dramatic elevation changes. All the time you are playing just one quick glance upward will bring you a view of the snow topped Mont Bianco. It truly is exhilarating.
As one would expect with a club that has Henry Cottons stamp of approval on it, lunch was splendid. A daily pasta special was washed down with some local refreshment and a dessert of fresh fruit topped off with home-made ice cream.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of golfing, culinary delights, and breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable experience for any golf lover. Each golf course we visited provided unique challenges and stunning views, showcasing the best of Northern Italy’s golfing landscape.
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