Finally the last stop of our “golf around the world“ trip…

For a couple of weeks we stayed in the very last part of Italy in the beautiful area of Puglia. We spent some time without playing golf but with a lot of great people and amazing food and wine instead. On our way back home we finally stayed two nights in Tuscany at the Argentario Golf & Spa which is located in a protected natural area near Porto Ercole.

When we arrived we were so surprised. You wouldn´t expect such a nice Golf Resort in an area like this. Entering the huge lobby we were warmly welcomed by the friendly ladies from the reception. They accompanied us to our room and showed us around this very tasteful furnished Design Hotel.

As you know Italian people have a quite good feeling and good taste. I really liked the golf photography from back in the days. But the most exciting part of the Argentario Golf & Spa was the gym. Almost better equipped than my gym back home in Munich. Unfortunately I haven´t been there once because of the much more exciting golf course.

The layout is great but not very easy to play. The front nine are placed on and around a hill. The first and the tenth tee are next to the clubhouse. No. 2 is already a very nice hole, a par 3 on the highest part of the course with an amazing view to the mainland. I recommend an early round so you can enjoy the sunrise behind the mountains of the Toskana.

No. 3 is crazy. A long par 5 with a stunning tee shot. From high above the fairway you can hit your drive unbelievable far. But if you miss the fairway, well, you better don´t miss the fairway… The next view holes are nice to play but not very specific. Two huge lakes feature in the play. During my stay there wasn´t even much water inside because the course of Argentario Golf & Spa was affected by a very hot and dry period.

I really liked the fact that they don´t use any fertilizer for the green keeping but on the other hand some parts of the course really struggled because of this fact. But again a huge plus for this green keeping policy.

No. 9 was a classical beast of a finishing hole, long and tough with 500m from yellow. You really need to hit your ball on the fairway to have any chance. Once you made it the second shot should be a pure lay-up because of the huge lake and some bunkers right in front of the green.

So if you´re to short you´ll receive water or you´ll end up in one of the bunkers. On the green you should be familiar with your putter, because they have been in amazing good conditions, despite to the hot period I mentioned before.

The second nine are different and require some more trust in your clubs because they are relatively flat and they wind trough a nice olive grove and the horse paddocks of the neighboring Polo Club. For example No. 12, a par 5 with its dogleg at the very end of the fairway. I really loved that hole.

Another very exciting golf hole was No. 18. It depends on your distance on this par 4 because right in the middle of the landing zone of your tee shot is a creek crossing the fairway with some huge trees growing along its way.

But if you smoke your drive you will be more than safe. Place your approach to the green right into the direction of the tree behind the green. By the way the signature tree and part of the logo of Argentario Golf & Spa. If you´re to much left there is a huge bunker and water. On the right side “out of bounce“ will be your result. So play straight to the green and impress the spectators at the pool with your putting skills.

After you finished your round you can enjoy the pool with your family. In summary Argentario Golf & Spa is a nice place. Luxury design mixed with a good taste of style, a breathtaking panorama including a great understanding of nature. Play and enjoy!!