Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort

Porto Ercole, Toscana

Rankings

AddressLocalità Le Piane, 58019 Porto Ercole GR, Italy

The exclusive five-star Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort is set on the Monte Argentario promontory which was once an island but is now connected to mainland Tuscany by three causeways that in turn form two lagoons. The location is spectacular and views from the resort over the golf course to the Orbetello Lagoon are simply delightful.

David Mezzacane and the professional golfer Baldovino Dassù designed the Argentario golf course in 2006 and the holes were shaped by Brian Jorgensen, who should take a bow, as the result is a varied, dramatic and technically challenging layout, which has subsequently become the PGA National Italy.

A great deal of earth was moved to create the 6,218-metre par 71 Argentario course; in fact the site was once used as the promontory’s waste dump. Tens of thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs were planted and the course is managed organically with natural fertilisers and pesticides. In recognition of its green credentials, Argentario is one of only two Italian clubs to receive AgriCert status.

There’s stark contrast between the cork oak wooded holes and those in open country, but many of Argentario’s fairways plunge up and down in dramatic style on their way to relatively small but well-guarded greens. Apparently, soon after the course opened, a few European Tour pros were invited to road test the course from the back tees. Their scores were apparently so high that club employees were sworn to secrecy, promising not to reveal the high scores.

The small and often sloping greens make scoring here at Argentario rather hard, so select one of the four teeing areas carefully. Enjoy the sea and lagoon views on your way round and then brace yourself for the tough closing three holes. Our favourite is the wicked par three 17th that measures 210 metres from the back markers. With water left and bunkers right this short hole is intimidating, even for the best golfer.

Writer Brian Noone sums up the Argentario experience beautifully: “This is both the Tuscany you know and one you’d never expect.”