Golf Club Matilde di Canossa

A visit to Matilde Golf is the perfect occasion to mix sports, culture, relaxation and fine food in an easily reached area in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region. The 18 holes created by the drafting pencil of architect Marco Croze in 1987 are located on the lands referred to as the Terre Matildiche, the dominions of the Canossa family, where the great Countess wrote pages of history between the 11th and 12th centuries. It is located 9 kilometres Southwest of Reggio Emilia and 25 kilometres from Parma in the Po Valley countryside. You will be spoilt for choice in your search for a good restaurant.

The course is challenging, the terrain hilly and gently rolling and you will need to use every shot you have in your repertoire. The greatest difficulty lies in dealing with Hole 11, a long Par 4 of 382 meters from the yellow tees, with the stream that cuts the hole in three places – initially it flanks it on the right, then crosses over to the left side, and finishes by encircling the green. For an average level player to be able to score a par here is enormously satisfying. The last hole, 18, is beautiful and delicate, a par 3 of 146 meters uphill with the green protected by three deep bunkers. This is the stage onto which the clubhouse looks, the preferred observation point of members watching the game during event days.

Technical Details

Course:18 holes, Par 72, 6231 meters

Architect: Marco Croze

Topography: From flat to slightly hilly.

Distinctive features: suitable even for the best handicaps

Pro’s comments:

The English golf players would define the Matilde di Canossa as tricky and funny. The holes lie on a hilly terrain and surprises are not lacking. We spoke of Hole 11 previously but allow me to mention Hole 17, a Par 5 with a frontal water hazard that pushes players to aim for the green with the second shot. Very few players enjoy the honour of landing the ball on the green with 2 shots. But for all the others, scoring a 5 is not so extremely tricky ….tricky and funny.