Palazzo Arzaga

These two golf courses (Arzaga 1 – 18 holes by Jack Nicklaus and Arzaga 2 – 9 holes by Gary Player) form part of the magnificent “Palazzo Arzaga” nestling for the past 500 years on the hills surrounding Lake Garda.

Arzaga 1 is typical of the great man’s style -wide undulating fairways reachable by all standards from various relatively easy tee shots (apart form the par 3’s!) whilst his fun starts on both the approach shots and on the greens. Course management is critical if scores are to be kept antwhere near handicap and you’ll probably need your putting boots on as well.

Mr Player’s nine holes are a slightly different challenge with difficult positional tee shots, tighter fairways and much deeper bunkers – some requiring 90 degree exits! Watch out for the par 5, 4th at 603 yards a stern test and also the par 3, 6th which has to be played well to avoid water.

STC Golf Team’s verdict:

“Both these courses back up the legendary status of the 2 designers. Bad shots are punished severely whilst good shots are rewarded. The clubhouse and hotel are remarlable and if budget allows, at least one overnight stop is a must. When was the last time you slept in a room with original 15th century frescos to look at?”