La Pinetina GC is located 25km from Lake Como, and 35km from Milan.
The course was designed by John Dering Harris, and opened for play in 1971.
The area surrounding the course is the home of the huge Appiano Gentile pine forest, and Harris has done a grand job of routing through very hilly and heavily vegetated terrain.
The course is set amongst a forest which includes pine trees, birch, oak and chestnut- far from roads and "the madding crowd"- and deep in the forest.
At times it can be a testing walk with some very steep inclines both up and down coming in to play.
The climb up the 2nd and 9th holes will have most needing a few minutes to compose themselves before finishing the hole.
Notable Holes:
Holes 1, 10, & 14 were my favourites- all quite different types of holes which take advantage of the natural terrain to advantage....
The opening hole is sharp dogleg right which is heavily treed on both sides.
However it is the change in elevation between tee and green which commands your attention.
As the hole turns it also falls away dramatically.
A decent tee shot leaves a short iron approach to a pretty green site below.
It is a nice way to start the day...
Although the tenth runs through forest, it is reasonable wide off the tee.
However this short par 5 then demands you make decisions.
How to approach a green which is defended by water and sand, and a fairway that bends and narrows as it nears the target?
In my opinion Harris did an outstanding job here, because players with different skill sets can all play the hole successfully in different ways, and find the hole rewarding.
There is more than one way to skin a cat!
In contrast hole fourteen only requires good club selection off the tee, and a well struck shot.
It is a long drop from tee to a green tucked in a clearing in the forest below.
It is a beautiful hole, and always a thrill to hit those shots with serious hang time!
La Pinetina GC consistently rates among the better courses in Italy, and has hosted a number of significant tournaments over the years.
Accommodation
Visitors can stay on site at La Pinetina, or base themselves in Lake Como where a plethora of options at different price points await you....
Other Courses in The Area
Lake Como boasts a number of other championship quality golf courses including:
Golf Club Carimate
Golf Club Monticello
Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club
Golf Tours
The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to Italy to suit your group.
For itinerary suggestions please see Destinations: Italy
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