When we were invited to visit the Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort in Tuscany, Italy, we were just a little excited. We have never been to Italy before so we had all these preconceived ideas of what to expect. Rolling countryside with vineyards everywhere. Country houses with red tiled roofs. Outstanding food and excellent wine. Friendly people with an enthusiasm for life and their culture.
All of these expectations were met and exceeded. The experience of the Resort and the golf course was so good that one article would just not do it justice, so there will be two articles. This one about the golf course and the other about the Resort and the surrounding area. We hope you take the time to read both as the Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort deserves all the compliments we will give it. Godere……Enjoy!
A Tuscan Dream
Tucked away amidst the captivating landscapes of Tuscany, the Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort attracts golfers from around the globe. The resort is situated in the heart of the Maremma, an area renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. This luxurious resort offers a wonderful golfing experience set against a backdrop of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and a breathtaking coastline.
The Argentario Golf Club has a championship course designed by renowned architect David Mezzacane and professional golfer Baldovino Dassu. At over 6,800 yards from the back tees, the 18-hole course presents a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. With its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the course provides you with a memorable days golf.
The only designated PGA National course in Italy, Argentario will host the 2025 Italian Open on the DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour.
Wonderful Practice Facilities
The Range
Argentario Golf Club offers a range of facilities and services designed to enhance the golfing experience. A state-of-the-art driving range, short game practice area and putting greens provide the perfect opportunity for all players to perfect their game before tackling the course. If you are struggling with your swing, experienced instructors are on hand to offer personalised coaching and guidance.
Once you are happy with your game, you head to the first tee with a sense of anticipation and excitement that the shots you hit on the range will transfer onto the course. As always, choose the tees to suit your game. The course has four sets of tees. ranging from 5,500 yards to the championship tees at 6,840 yards. We chose to play from the yellow tees, which at 6,485 yards was challenging enough as the slope rating was 138. The course rating of 72.4 on this par 71 would be testing for what was our first 18 holes of 2024.
The Opening Nine
The front nine has a par of 36 with three par fours, three par fives and three par threes. The layout starts with a par four, par three then a par five and repeats. We found the front nine to be challenging and visually quite tight off the tee. The par threes and par fives were the standout holes for us.
The Signature 2nd hole
Arriving on the second tee, you get your first view of the stunning countryside that surrounds the course. It’s the signature hole and it’s a par 3 of 194 yards with a green that sits at an angle to the tee. The green is protected by eight bunkers. Make a par here and you’ll be smiling on your walk to the next tee.
The First Par 5
The par 5 third hole
Standing on the elevated tee at the third hole, a 630-yard par 5 is intimidating. The hole has ten bunkers, a ditch across the fairway, out-of-bounds down the right-hand side and the fairway narrows the closer you get to the green. If ever a hole called for strategic play, this is it. Find the fairway off the tee, play an iron short of the fairway bunkers then go for the green. It all sounds great to make a par. If only we had listened to that advice!
The fifth hole is the shortest par 3 on the course at only 130 yards with the green protected by five bunkers surrounding the putting surface. The sixth was a testing 540-yard par 5 with water in play off the tee and all down the left side to just short of the green. It was another hole where we had to play it as a three-shot hole. The eighth is a 149 yard par 3 with trees both left and right leaving you a tee shot through a narrow gap to an undulating green.
The Ninth Hole
The 9th hole in the background
Closing out the front nine, this 567-yard par 5 is another difficult hole. Your tee shot plays slightly uphill then you face a second shot where the fairway slopes severely from left to right. Hit it too far to the right and you will find the water. Leave your second too far left and you are faced with a downhill lie to a green that narrows the further right you go. The green has a tier on the left. If the pin is tucked away on the right side, don’t take it on. Aim for the middle of the green and try and two putt for your par.
The Back Nine
The 10th Hole
The opening hole of the inward nine is only 344 yards. The fairway is generous but it’s the second shot that will grab your attention. The green sits at an angle to the fairway and between you and the green is a 10ft deep ditch with trees on the left and right. It gives you the impression that the approach shot needs precision. Trust that impression!
The 11th is the only par 5 on the back nine and at 553 yards is no pushover. For us, it was a three-shot hole. In truth, none of the four par 5’s were on in two. This region of Italy has had a wet winter too and you were only getting the carry distance on each shot.
The 13th Hole
Looking back down the 13th hole
At first, you may wonder why the 13th hole is familiar. At 430 yards, it is the longest par 4 on the course and will take you two solid shots to get there. Why then that familiar feeling? The reason is that the oak tree 50 yards short of the green is the Argentario Golf Club logo. That logo is on all the flags apart from the one on the 18th which has PGA National on it.
Closing Holes
The 17th hole
The closing two holes are tough, especially if you need two pars for a score. The 17th is the longest par 3 at 209 yards. There is water down the left and bunkers on the right. We played this in a right-to-left wind and decided that the sand was the better option off the tee. the green is large and slopes from back to front and towards the water. Only two putting on this green is a bonus.
The 18th green
The 18th plays just over 400 yards and is best described as a quirky finishing hole. From the tee, you have to carry a row of trees and a ditch and land on a fairway which sits at an angle to you. It will take a precise second shot and a good two-putt on this long narrow green to finish with a par.
We thoroughly enjoyed playing at Argentario Golf Club. The course was in great condition, despite the wet winter and the greens were superb to putt on. This course will present a challenge for the Tour players in 2025 although no doubt someone will shoot a low score and prove me wrong!!
Apres Golf
The Clubhouse Entrance
After your round, golfers can discuss their good and bad shots and relax in the comfortable surroundings of the Argentario Resort clubhouse. You can enjoy a refreshing drink, a glass of wine or fantastic food either inside the clubhouse or outside on the terrace overlooking the scenic beauty of the golf course.
The clubhouse also features a pro shop stocked with the latest equipment and apparel, ensuring that players have everything they need to make the most of their golfing experience.
A Golf Clubhouse Staple, the Argentario Cheeseburger
We can personally vouch for the quality of the menu in the Clubhouse. We had the Cheeseburger after our round and it was sensational. It was almost certainly one of the best burgers we have ever had the pleasure of eating in a golf club.
In Summary
For those looking for a perfect golf getaway, the Argentario Golf and Wellness Resort offers a range of packages and experiences tailored to suit every preference. From weekends away to golf clinics and tournaments, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner taking your first swings.
In conclusion, the golf experience at the Argentario Resort is outstanding. Visiting players will love the beauty of the Tuscan countryside while enjoying the challenge of a championship course. With its stunning coastal setting, luxurious amenities, and commitment to sustainability, the Argentario Golf Club offers an outstanding golfing experience. We will remember our visit to Argentario and to Italy for a very long time.
Thank you to Helen Heady for the invite and “Grazie Mille” to all the team at the Resort for making our stay such a wonderful experience.
At a Glance
- The PGA National course of Italy
- Excellent practice facilities and Pro shop
- In an area of outstanding natural beauty
- 90 minutes drive from Rome (FCO) airport
- Commitment to sustainable and eco friendly agronomy practices
- Comfortable clubhouse with excellent food and a fantastic outside terrace
Don’t forget to read our article on the Resort and surrounding area which will be available very soon.
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