Venice is not the first place you might think of for a golf holiday, but with the region's great courses it's the perfect place to combine a city break with a bit of romance!
Golf in Venice we hear you say! Isn’t Venice surrounded by water? This beautiful city does occupy over 100 small islands and the only way to reach them is by crossing an expanse of water that separates them from the mainland in a Vaporetto boat or waterbus, but in the province of Venice there are 5 golf courses and a further 33 in the region.
WHERE TO STAY AND PLAY
Venice Golf Club is located at the most southern tip of the Lido and with a clubhouse that lies inside an old fortification constructed under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The first hole is situated on top of an ancient Venetian Fort and the holes that follow present an attractive and interesting challenge. The natural terrain offers plenty of sandy lies, accuracy is required from the tee as mature trees line narrow fairways and there are water hazards to avoid especially on the back nine. The après golf atmosphere on the terrace of the clubhouse is delightful, however, it’s the exhilarating ride across the water, to and from the golf club, which enhances the overall experience.
In the countryside, a few miles from Venice, is Villa Grimani Morosini Taneda Ca’della Nave, a 16thcentury aristocratic family home that still bears witness to its illustrious past but has been transformed into an exclusive club that features 27 holes, swimming pool, tennis courts and a fitness centre. Both the 18-hole and 9-hole course were designed by Arnold Palmer and an American-style design is evident in the layout with plenty of bunkers and large greens.
The province of Treviso, approximately 20km from Venice and 5km from Treviso airport, offers a fascinating mixture of natural beauty, art, culture, and is a good base from which to discover other courses in the region. Accommodation is available to suit all budgets, the four-star Hotel Bolognese Villa Pace in the town of Preganziol is very functional; offering spacious and comfortable bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and leisure facilities including a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath, and a more than adequate buffet breakfast sets you up for the day.
Close by is Villa Condulmer Estate which features an 18th century villa that has recently been renovated and converted into a 5-star hotel. This year Villa Condulmer Golf Club celebrates its 50thanniversary and the course really is a treat. Even if you play poor golf, you’ll enjoy what feels like a fabulous walk in a park as this tranquil layout is extremely well-manicured, mature trees line the fairways and colourful flowers and shrubs are planted as backdrops. There’s also a 9-hole par-29 course that’s ideal for beginners or should you need to improve your short game.
A short drive west of Treviso is another must-play venue. Asolo Golf Club is located in a valley and surrounded by hills so it is a very scenic course. As soon as you arrive the colour green that dominates the interior of the clubhouse is a clue of the club’s President – Gilberto Benetton. The name guarantees quality and Asolo is more than just a golf club. There are also tennis courts, a swimming pool, spa and even a five-a-side football pitch.
The golf courses in this region present good value for money and it is a great destination to combine a golf and city break. If you happen to play at Venice Golf Club on the final day of your trip you can always catch a water taxi from the Lido directly to the airport – a holiday highlight to mention to friends so they believe golf in Venice does exist!
HOTELS
Hotel Bolognese Villa Pace www.hotelbolognese.com
Hotel Villa Condulmer www.hotelvillacondulmer.com
GREEN FEES
Ca’ della Nave Golf Club www.cadeallanave.com
Villa Condulmer Golf Club www.golfvillacondulmer.com
Venice Golf Club www.circologolfvenezia.it
Asolo Golf Club www.asologolf.it
For further information, visit: www.golfinveneto.com