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urprising as it may seem but the popularity of Italy as a golf destination has only recently begun to take hold in the UK. This is surprising when you consider how dramatic and varied the Italian countryside can be with vast mountain ranges, idyllic Mediterranean coastlines and the quintessential rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the recent change of direction can be linked to the popular combination of golf and spa resorts. Certainly, there is a very healthy association with the game of golf in that 18 holes of play is punctuated by a substantial amount of walking! Golf courses add an important refinement to natural landscapes and are critical in maintaining open spaces. To gauge the variety on offer we review four very different golfing properties across the length and breadth of Italy:

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Italian Landscapes

Mountainside, countryside and seaside - splendid backdrops and demanding fairways at Italy’s finest r

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This world-renowned 18-hole Pevero golf course, owned by Starwood Hotels and ResortsWorldwide Inc, stretches from the gulf of Pevero to the bay of Cala di Volpe. It is a magical place, with views of the sea from every hole. Located just minutes from the magical Cala di Volpe Hotel and chic Porto Cervo, this course takes full advantage of the magnificent natural surroundings of the exclusive Costa Smeralda.

1. Cala di Volpe (Pevero), Sardinia