If you’ve never been to Tuscany, you’re missing out on a real treat. Rolling hills and medieval towns are a joy. The towns are picturesque to the last degree and some of the old mountain towns are to die for. But have you ever thought about all this and about golf too? If not, surely you should. There are some beautiful courses set in beautiful surroundings and you will be very welcome. Today it is easy to find accommodation near golf courses using one of the many online golf portals and you will often be able to book tee times. It’s worth asking your hotel or guesthouse if they can get you a discount, as this is pretty standard across Europe.
Some of the best-known courses include Ugolino, a natural course named among the 50 most beautiful golf courses in the world by American writer Chris Santella. Pavoniere with its immense greens, undulating fairways and groups of pines and cypresses. Montecatini – Located in the Tuscan hills and offers many natural hazards such as lakes, streams, forests and ditches. Pelagone: one of the most beautiful courses in Italy located in the middle of vineyards and olive groves. Poggio dei Medici – A championship course built to USGA standards. Versilia – Located just one mile from the sea, this course is dominated by water hazards found on eleven of the holes. Thick woods and woodland surround the course and the greens are well protected and fast. Bagnaia: This is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course situated in the gentle hills above Siena.
Florence is the jewel in the crown of Tuscany and the Poggio dei Medici Golf Club is easily reached from the city. Florence can be very crowded during the summer months, but early spring and late autumn are great times to play golf in this part of the world and also the best times to visit Florence without queuing. My personal highlight in Florence is Piazzale Michelangelo from where you get a beautiful view of the city that is difficult to appreciate from the narrow streets. Up here you will also find reproductions of some of the famous statues such as David. Florence offers many excellent restaurants and you may want to try the local speciality, which is Bistecca ai ferri – charcoal grilled beef served with a glass of Chianti.