Golf Club Poggio dei Medici

Located about 30 kilometers north of Florence in the middle of the Mugello region, one of the must-play courses is the UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf Club, an 18-hole par 73 course created in 1992 by the creative genius of architect Alvise Rossi Fioravanti and the experience of Baldovino Dassù, the best Italian player in the 1970s. This course is the key element of the resort extending over the hills of the medieval city of Scarperia. It was designated by the Ladies European Tour to host no less than five consecutive editions of the Ladies Italian Open from 1999 to 2003, and more recently, three stops on the European Men’s Challenge Tour (in 2010, 2011 and 2013).

The undulations of the terrain are also an important part of the course. While the spaces are more sweeping and if on the one hand, errors are more easily forgiven, on the other, the length of the holes – all with great character and well-defined personality – makes for extra difficulty.

At first sight, you will be won over by the charm of the countryside and elegant atmosphere of the 16th century Villa di Cignano, an age-old hunting residence that belonged to the Medici family converted into a clubhouse.

Its position makes it a privileged destination for Italian and foreign tourists who find in it yet one another reason, were it necessary, to visit this fortunate region abounding with art, fine cuisine and blessed with a panorama which, amidst ancient farmhouse and Renaissance mansions, has remained unchanged over time time.

Technical Details

Course: 18 holes, Par 73, 6468 meters

Architects: Alvise Rossi Fioravanti and Baldovino Dassù

Topography: hilly

Distinctive features: many hazards, like streams, bunkers, lakes require a strategic game.

Pro’s comments

The wonderful Tuscan hills are the setting of this very beautiful and prized course. The designers had the problem of matching significant differences in level with the requirements of the game and was more than successful. The main difficulty is being able to understand the distance that separates golf player from his objective each time, considering the continuous ups and downs on which the fairways were designed. All the holes are panoramic and very intriguing but difficult to interpret. Holes 4 and 5 are wonderful, separated by a row of cypresses, typical trees of the area. Hole 4 is uphill with a blind tee shot. Hole 5 is downhill with tee markers created from the embankment with a green well-defended by a lake on the left part of the green. All very picturesque; a “jewel in the Mugello”