Golf Club Alpino di Stresa

The club describes itself as a course of mountain character with only nine holes, on the slopes of Mottarone, with the natural terrain preserved, many ups and downs, open views, numerous bunkers and water hazards on some holes. For an 18-hole round the same nine is repeated: the only difference is hole 6, a 467-metre par 5 from the men's tees the first time and a 418-metre par 4 on the second pass. The overall par comes to 69 and the length to about 5,400 metres, worked out by adding up the distances on the official card.

The holes are mostly of medium length, par 4s from 318 to 353 metres. The 4th is a par 3 of just 98 metres, the 7th a par 3 of 142. At hole 1 there is something to remember: a historic juniper, the “zanivul”, a bush that has become a landmark.

The website's price list, tied to the 2026 promotional rates, sets for 18 holes 50 euros on weekdays and 60 on weekends and public holidays; for nine holes 30 and 40 euros. There are reduced rates for juniors (20 and 30 euros for 18 holes), seniors and partners (40 and 55), and the “2 for” formula: two players, 18 holes with golf cart, 85 euros on weekdays outside competitions.

The golf cart costs 36 euros for 18 holes and 20 for nine, club hire 10, the trolley 5, the driving range 10 euros. Required handicap, opening period and the course's closing day are not stated: for confirmation, the secretary's office is on 351 9003 252. You arrive from the A26 motorway in the direction of Gravellona Toce, exit Carpugnino, then towards Gignese and Mottarone.

The story begins in 1924, when the architect Peter Gannon started construction; the works were directed by Francesco Pasquali. At the start the course was rudimentary: the club recalls only three greens ready and non-existent drainage. The official opening was in September 1925.

The club hosted the first three editions of the Italian Open: in 1926 Auguste Boyer won with 147 strokes, in 1927 Percy Alliss with 145, after a play-off against Marcel Dellemagne. In the 1930s and 1940s and in the post-war years national mixed-doubles championships and pro-am tournaments followed. Today the men's team has played for 27 years in Serie A1.

The Stefano Ortu Golf School and the Youth Academy take care of teaching. The restaurant with pizzeria has large windows over the course and a terrace among age-old trees: open from 12 to 3 pm and from 7 to 10 pm, in the evening it is closed from Monday to Wednesday; book on 351 8075 988.

• A cradle for the Open. The first three editions of the Italian Open were played here.
• A play-off of 67. In 1927 Percy Alliss, in the replay against Marcel Dellemagne, scored 67 strokes, the course record.
• A hole that changes. The 6th is a par 5 on the first lap and a par 4 on the second.
• A juniper as a landmark. At hole 1 there is the “zanivul”, a historic juniper bush.