To Rome’s Ryder Cup

And More Of Italy

BY ALICE & DANNY SCOTT

ASK ANYONE what country they wish to visit, and Italy tops many lists for the scenery, architecture, history, romance, food, wine, and golf. Last October, Rome hosted the IGTM (International Golf Travel Market) and this year, they will host the Ryder Cup at the charming Marco Simone Course, 15km from Rome’s city center. Built on a hillside with ample space for cheering fans, the course overlooks an olive grove with rustic and modern architecture. It is not long by PGA standards, but distances must be adjusted due to severe false fronts and side sloping greens. The rough will be increased and fairways narrowed in defense of today’s power players. Telecasts’ wildlife stars will be muskrats and jumping fish in the pond along the sixth tee box. The clubhouse is already stocked with Ryder Cup merch and golf carts marked with USA and Europe are poised for photo ops. Grand Hotel Duca d’Este down the road still has availability during the Ryder Cup or stay in the heart of Rome and step into the cobblestone night life with cafes, shops, and the Trevi fountain, lit like a movie scene to ignite romance. Visit the Spanish Steps and Vatican City. Passing over the apostles’ tombs, taking in the sculptures, murals, and mosaics is an enlightening experience, Catholic or not. Standing at the Forum and Coliseum where gladiators entertained Romans to their death is stunning. Rome has plenty more golf courses to play as well.

EXPLORING BEYOND ROME: Tuscany

Just north of Rome, is a promontory with an exceptional retreat, the Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort. Ultra-modern ebony and ivory decor of the main resort accentuates the circular open architecture. Beautiful bedrooms open to balconies looking out to the mountain and sea scenery shared by the PGA National Golf Course of Italy which hosted the Senior Italian Open. Choose from sea tours or wellness options and indulge in culinary magic.

Terme di Saturnia’s course plays below Tuscan rolling hills painted with olive groves, vineyards, and castles bordered with cypress spires. Golf is a bonus as the main draw is the thermal pools, originating at the resort alongside the restaurant and bar where most guests don their robes. The turquoise water is warm and soothing with bioplankton, an alga with healing properties. Grab a noodle and float aimlessly, lounge, sauna and repeat. The extensive resort pool complex flows to the famous public cascades. Day trip to wineries or Florence, the photogenic art mecca or to Pisa, for more than a leaning tower.

Lake Como

Take the train to Como or a dare devil drive to Bellagio, an hour north of Milan. Ancient buildings border the steep, narrow road with a surprise view around every sharp blind curve. Hugging the wall is more than a metaphor. While several golf courses avail, the lake itself is the main draw. A day ticket to board several different vessels is a bargain for 14 euros. Hop on, hop off, between villages to stroll, dine and people watch. The architecture of hotels and homes as you sail across the shimmering clear water with snowcapped mountains above is astounding.

Venice

The Canal City has Marco Polo Airport for flight options. Vaporetto barges cruise the entire grand canal for a few euros while pricier romantic gondola rides glide through side canals. The maze of alleys and canals lead to St. Mark’s Square, lit at night with overwhelming grandeur as little orchestras strike emotional chords. To play at Veneto Golf Course you are glamorously chauffeured on a polished wood, water taxi. The course was built in the 1930s when Henry Ford wanted to play on holidays in Venice, but Mussolini came into power before completion and secretly met Hitler on the course. The original links style is now parkland and while Ford never played there, many Americans enjoy it today.

Asiago

Situated on a high plateau at the base of the dolomites, 95 minutes from Venice, the highway ascent is very daring with ten “tornantes” or steep u turn curves on a narrow road with fast traffic. The valley miniaturizes below as paragliders soar above. Edoardo Molinari is an ambassador for Asiago Golf. The course is a gorgeous, hilly workout pushing the trolley through an Italian forest opening to a pasture where Asiago cheese making cows, chew grass with bells jingling on their necks. Meltar Boutique Hotel adjoins the club with lavish suites and Julieta balconies. Looming in the background downtown is a huge, antiquated arch that is the World War I memorial with 40k +soldiers interred.

Tips for Italy Trips

Accommodations — Book resort reservations in advance but don’t fear gaps in the itinerary. For easy to secure options, even on the fly check Airbnb and booking.com.

Packing — Go light with repeat, mix and match apparel. Ladies’ shoes are the most challenging but forfeit options for ease of travel

Puglia

Stretching along the southeast from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean Sea, Puglia is much less touristic. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Beale were married at Borgo Egnazia, beside the San Domenico Golf course – a challenging track along the Adriatic Sea. The DoubleTree by Hilton Acaya Golf Resort is more understated but elegant under the nightlights with spacious accommodations. The course designed by Dana Fry has hosted European Challenge Tour events. The clubhouse serves local flavors including ricotta cheese produced by since most rooms, trains and autos have less than customary space.

Navigation — Diversify your transportation portfolio with a Eurocar rental, flights between cities or trains for a relaxing alternative. Take taxis in cities and best of all, boats on canals in Venice or Cinque Terra and the Amalfi Coast.

Gas stations — Pay inside with euros or make sure your credit card waives international fees. Belly up to the bar which serves alcohol (not advised) or coffee. Gulp an expresso like a local, two sips there and go. Takeaways will be in tiny cups even when you request “Americano.”

Italy has much more to offer such as Cinque Terra, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Capri, and medieval cities in between. One visit is never enough.

Insurance — We never add car insurance in the states but were glad to have it in Italy and opted for medical insurance through Geo for peace of mind though fortunately unnecessary.

Restaurants — Many are closed between 2:30 and 7 so plan your meals accordingly. Breakfast is normally included with accommodations, but Warning: cream filled croissants may be habit forming.

Language — English is often understood but it’s nice to greet with buongiorno, request with per favore, and say grazie for thank you, departing with Arrivederci, Roma.