5 nights with breakfast at Hotel San Rocco including 2 Green Fees (Golf Club Des Iles Borromées & Bogogno)

Arriving at Bogogno on a day with a clear blue sky is an experience that is impossible to forget: the Monte Rosa massif stands majestically on the horizon and its presence accompanies a panorama that may be enjoyed from the clubhouse and for the most part of the two 18-hole courses, the Bonora and the Conte. It is indeed the third Italian golf club (and second in Piedmont) in the order of seniority to boast 36 holes, opened in 1996 and completed in its current version in 2000. Conceived to become a holiday home for Milan and Turin natives – the two regional capitals are equidistant, less than an hour by car – it is surrounded by elegant but never garish or indiscreet homes; a hotel was recently built facing hole no. 9 of the Conte course which is very convenient. The American golf project architect, Robert von Hagge, created two courses whose difficulty changes significantly according to whether the champion tees or the standards tees are used. The Conte course, generally used for more important tournaments, is flat with water hazards that affect 13 holes mainly in the form of ponds. On the Bonora course, water is present on almost all the holes, and is more physically demanding because it is more undulating. Centrally located with regard to the two courses, the clubhouse, as were most of the residences, was designed by the French architect François Spoerry in a sober, country style with large picture windows and comfortable areas, true meeting places very much enjoyed by members. Course: “Del Conte”, Par 72, 6206 meters Architect: van Hagge Topography: flat Distinctive features: high roughs and relatively small fairways Links course big spaces, wide and flat ground Two courses that cannot be missing in the itinerary of a golfer visiting the Piedmont; the Bonora, more suited to medium – low handicaps, is a true masterpiece of golf architecture. From the first tee to the final shot towards the 18th green (Par 4 with a frontal water hazard), it is a succession of traps and difficulties. The five Par 5s of this course are to be savoured as they abound with hazards inserted in crucial situations to challenge players’ strategic skills. When played from the furthest tees, I consider the Bonora a true Ryder Cup course. The Conte course is somewhat less difficult but the architect has also skillfully designed the 18 splendid and entertaining holes here; the sequence of Holes 12-15 is quite unusual with three Par 5s broken up by a fantastic and spectacular Par 3 (Hole 13); four holes that will help you gain some strokes and adjust your score.

At 600 meters of altitude, this is the second golf course in Stresa after the historic Alpino, and is nestled in woodlands abounding with a variety of tree species. On those days when a lake gives new meaning to the word “beauty”, golfers often stand bewitched at the starting tee on Hole 18. There you can admire a panorama that sweeps from the Ticino plain to the Alps of the Simplon Pass and Switzerland, and over four lakes – Maggiore, Varese, Monate and Comabbio, the Alps, and on the most fortunate days, even the skyline of Milan. Dating back to 1987, the course is natural and it shows: its difficulties, the differences in level, and its hazards were not custom-built. They have been there for centuries. Architect Marco Croze has only enhanced or adapted them to a course that manages to entertain as well as challenge at the same time. The design of the holes is extremely varied and quite undulating, and this often forces players to adopt a defensive tactic. Your feet are never flat on the ground and each shot can have disastrous effects on the score: in this case, simply console yourselves with the panorama. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6122 meters. Architect: Marco Croze Topography: hilly, narrow course with some interesting water hazards Distinctive features: remarkable either for its play course or for the natural surroundings. Its landscape is itself an added value. Pro’s comments: To understand the beauty and difficulty of this golf course, you must try it: breathtaking panoramas and a very demanding and punishing layout for imprecise golfers