7 nights with breakfast at Casalgrande Hotel and 3 Green Fees per person (GC Matilde, San Valentino GC and Modena Golf & Country Club)

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.

From a technical perspective, this is no stroll through the park. With its narrow fairways, small greens and continuously changing levels, this 18-hole par 72 course designed in 1998 at San Valentino is undoubtedly challenging. However, the pleasure of a match on this well-kept course in the inlands south of Reggio Emilia where the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines begin, is a worthwhile experience. You are surrounded by nature as you play – there is also a nature trail with a gym in the woods and a romantic lake and chapel for private ceremonies. The kindness and helpfulness of the staff are a true plus that inspire tourists to return. The lovely and welcoming clubhouse, with its large picture windows looking onto Hole 18, is the perfect place to regenerate after a match and enjoy a sunset with its magical colors reflecting on the leaves of the woodland. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 5953 meters Architect: Carlo Quintelli. Topography: important differences in height, narrow paths, insidious greens. Distinctive features: if your physical conditions are not good, you risk to pant quickly! The course is not simple at all to play. Those who are able to master well their clubs will reach a good score. Long shots don’t actually help in this rather demanding course.

The premises of the legendary Ferrari factory are only six kilometers from the club entrance, and this alone would be reason enough for car-loving golfers to play a match here. But the attractions of this destination don’t end with its proximity to the Prancing Horse. First and foremost, there is the course, designed by German champion Bernhard Langer and inaugurated officially with an exhibition of his in 1991. Challenging for professionals and great fun for amateurs and weekend hackers. It was a high voltage final. Argentine José Coceres surely remembers it well, whose hopes for a victory in the 50th Italian Open (in 1993) were drowned right there on Hole 18, a par 5 of 478 meters, handing over the title to New Zealander Greg Turner. Because the lake is the undisputed protagonist here. It occupies the middle part of the hole and the most cautious (and short-hitting) players will aim their drives left, while the most audacious will shoot for the peninsula on the right to reach the green with a second stroke. And the green is delicate because the lake comes back into play again to defend the flag. The 18 holes occupy a part of the available 100 hectares. There is also a 9-hole executive course and ancient hamlets and renovated farmsteads, well inserted in the golfing context, such as the Zanasi Villa with its 15th century tower or La Tegagna, once a staging post and now proposed again in the club’s logo. Technical Details Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6423 metres Architect: Bernhard Langer Topography: flat, many water hazards, wide fairways Distinctive features: Bernhard Langer hasn’t designed a lot of golf courses but the few ones he realized in Europe, are quite remarkable. The layout is challenging: as you play, the fairways, roughs and semi-roughs get trickier. Pro’s comments: Three adjectives to describe the Modena Golf & Country Club: long, delicate, fun. All of which is summarized by Hole 13, a par 5 of 568 meters from the furthest tees (long), out of bounds on the right for the entire length of the hole (delicate) but level and with a large green that will hold onto a shot that is not perfectly aimed (fun). The other 17 holes will not disappoint, and the trip is surely worth the price of the green fee !!! Recommended.