Golf in Emilia Romagna

Those who like the finer things in life should sit up and take notice. Emilia Romagna is one of those places that, once you're there you just don't want to leave. It has all the typical Italian delicacies: romance, restaurants, classic unspoilt architecture, fine wines and, of course, beautiful people.

But one specific branch of this much-admired country has been oozing another splendid piece of artistry. Emilia Romagna, a region that encompasses northern central Spain, has been at the forefront of Italy's surge up the golfing holiday ladder.

Who could not be charmed with an invitation to play on sumptuous fairways only a few minutes' walk from enchanting Renaissance villages and endless sandy beaches? As the native tongue would say - 'a vivere la dolce vita'.

There are plenty of European golfing destinations that have been making a name for themselves in recent times, and this northern Italian paradise is certainly one of them.

Emilia Romagna is a region famous for its cuisine, for its art and culture and for its fine beaches. The region has in the past been called a golfing secret, a sort of undiscovered beauty. But, thanks to the opening of a few more top courses and long-overdue respect from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the secret is finally out. Emilia Romagna is no longer a hidden Italian delicacy and nor should it be. It is a first class golfing destination where every visiting golfer is treated like royalty.

Comprising Bologna, Rimini, Parma and Piacenza, it is one of Italy's richest regions, filled with artistic and architectural masterpieces and, for the history buffs, home to the world's first university. Its golf courses, however, have been itching to join such elite company.

Golf, here, is fairly cheap and visitors can enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank. Emilia Romagna offers a single green fee granting play on all 15 courses - something you will admit is a little bit special. In truth, it could result in the finest, value-for-money green fee you've ever bought.

The Bologna Golf Club is a historic Italian course located right in the centre of the region and ideally placed as a base for the duration of your stay. From here you can hire a car, allowing you to sample the local culture abounding its borders in between making your way from course to course.

Outside Bologna are a host of wonderful layouts with Matilde, La Rocca and Salso the cream of the crop in the north. Tourists can pick and choose between popular courses such as Le Fonti, just outside the city, and Modena.

Le Fonti is situated in the pretty Torrente Sillaro valley and is one of the newest courses in the region (it opened in 1999). The course is particularly long, perfect for seasoned pros, and enjoys a mild, healthy micro-climate.

Modena lies just a little north of Bologna and, along with Reggio Emilia, is one of the highlights of the region. From Modena you cannot miss Piazza Grande with its cobblestone paving, declared an asset to humanity by UNESCO. The course at Modena, incidentally, is the work of current European Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer and has played host to the Italian Open in recent times.

Others not to be missed if you are in the area include Castello la Bastardina, a hilly nine-holer with beautiful water features, and Croara, another stunning layout that's located between the Trebbia River alluvial deposits and the first slopes of the Apennine Hills. The new 18 holes at San Valentino are superb as are the new nine at the Riviera Golf Club Resort. There is also a new nine-hole layout at Molino del Pero on the road to Tuscany which is worth a look.

Near Reggio Emilia is Matilde di Canossa, in the heart of the marvellous Matildic Lands, just outside the city. It comprises a spectacular frame of magnificent views, surrounded by lands full of history and important traditions. The course was designed by Marco Croze and features an extreme variety of configurations, especially due to the Quaresimo stream that flows throughout the course. The pleasant natural slopes and vegetation make the game technical, fascinating and very entertaining.

Rimini Golf Club is right in the south of the region and just a few miles from the city's airport. It is a fascinating course and a regular haunt on the European Challenge Tour. The Adriatic Golf Club Cervia exudes the best of both worlds, in that its front nine conveys a distinct classic Scottish links feel, whereas its inward half has a more American feel. The Argenta course, host to the Emilia Romagna Regional Championships, is another huge favourite, both for locals and visitors.

In between your golf you can see to your tan on the endless, sun-kissed beaches, take a stroll through the historic, cultured picturesque towns or perhaps enjoy the gastronomic feasts of the local family-run restaurants. All in all, it's a golf holiday that differs from the rest and we golfers should be truly thankful the secret of Emilia Romagna is finally out.

Emilia Romagna Golf