5 nights at Le Robinie Golf & Resort with breakfast and 2green fees per person ( Golf Club Le Robinie and La Pinetina)

In an area – the province of Como – which already had a high-density golf factor, in 1971 the Golf Club La Pinetina opened on 70 hectares in the immense Appiano Gentile Pinewood Parkland. The exclusive, relaxing, and peaceful context consists of woods with Scots pines, birches, oaks, and chestnut trees, some homes well hidden by the vegetation, and all of it far away from roads, noise, and the stress of daily life. The course follows the contour of the land, which is quite undulating with different playing situations. Evocative panoramic views of Monte Rosa and the Lombard Prealps can be glimpsed between the treetops. The club has a strong ecological approach: a photovoltaic plant installed in 2010 and a solar thermal energy system in 2013 have been steps along the club’s long journey of awareness and responsibility towards the environment. Over the years, La Pinetina joined the Committed to Green program, has been awarded environmental certification by the Golf Environment Organization (GEO), and was acknowledged by Federgolf for its commitment to energy conservation. Finally, it has constructed a pool following a bio-architecture project using the most advanced materials from an ecological standpoint. The last of the 18 holes is the game-changer. It is played by amateurs as a short par 5 but, in case of pro tournaments, it becomes the hardest of the entire course, a par 4 of 373 meters, meaning it is very long and what’s more, slightly uphill, with a fairway that slopes to the right and the green – designed on two very pronounced levels – is protected by three bunkers. The lovely clubhouse beside it offers welcome refreshments after the last efforts. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 71, 5823 meters Architect: John Harris Topography: hilly at times, steep slopes, forest Special features: championship course, the first 9 holes are more challenging Pro’s Comments Precision, precision, precision: the three watchwords necessary to face the challenge of the La Pinetina course. Not long but delicate and undulating, this 18-hole course must be dealt with by forgoing power and the urge to risk; in particular, Hole 3, a very narrow and long par 5, has ruined the scores of many a golfer, even experts. If you don’t play long but precisely, La Pinetina is the perfect course to bet against golfers who take pride in their power.

In springtime they are covered with white fragrant flowers. They are the locust trees which give the club its name, trees that are often imposing, also known as acacias, which are easily found in Lombardy woodlands. The club is very close to the Malpensa Airport, a destination that is easily reached due to its proximity to the motorway, where Jack Nicklaus in the early 1990s was asked to decide how to sculpt those flat 70 hectares to create a course that was worthy of his name. The Golden Bear had no doubts as to what was needed to obtain a course able to host international events, a Stadium Course where spectators would have a privileged vantage point to see what was actually happening on the course. So bulldozers moved no less that two million cubic meters of earth and gravel to form a masterpiece of hollows, amphitheaters, terraced bunkers and lakes that would bear his unmistakable signature. The result is a challenging yet not severe course where players of all levels, from beginners to professionals, can have a great time because of the five teeing boxes for each hole, to be chosen according to ability, following the rule of “risk-reward” that Nicklaus likes so much. An attacking game is recommended for top players, but those not wanting to risk can play defensively, enjoying a match with commendable results. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6168 meters Architect: Jack Nicklaus Topography: flat with a lot of water hazards. Distinctive features: aggressive play, if you want to play your handicap. This course has the very typical mark of Jack Nicklaus, with several difficulties. The aspect of a course does not always correspond to its play. This course, which is the only one Jack Nicklaus designed in Italy, is a true master touch! And he has done his best: strategic bunkers, water hazards and ondulated greens. Everything is there. The Scottish-style tricks, like the hidden bunkers, are in the perfect mode of brilliant Nicklaus. Pure pleasure for golfers! Pro’s comments I truly appreciate Nicklaus’s hand as an architect of golf courses and Le Robinie confirms that sentiment. It is a fair course because you must know how to mix power and precision, where each hole makes a lasting impression but you must always stay far away from the deep bunkers scattered all over the course, a real punishment for unskilled players but panoramically and technically flawless. Holes 17 and 18 which surround a large lake are beautiful and if you are willing to gamble, you will be rewarded, but a cautious strategy of staying away from the water is absolutely worth considering, especially if you are defending a good score. A masterpiece, like the many others, created by the skilled hand of the great American champion.