Golf Club Bergamo L'Albenza

L'Albenza has 27 holes, divided into three par-36 nines: Blue, Yellow and Red. The first 18 holes are the work of the London firm Cotton & Sutton, in the British style, with natural ups and downs and water hazards that make use of the existing streams. The Blue measures 3,079 yards from the back tees, the Yellow 3,070, the Red 2,960: any two nines combined make a par 72.

The Red, named after Cesare Magnetti, was added in June 1988 by Marco Croze and Tom Linskey. On its 4th hole, the club says, one of the longest holes in Europe is played. For the 1996 Italian Open the layout was modified: the 1st hole of the Blue went from par 5 to par 4, bringing the par from 72 to 71, the fairways were redesigned and the rough was allowed to grow.

The list published for 2026 distinguishes high season (21 March-31 July and 1 September-21 October) from low season (22 October-20 March, plus August). For members of Italian federations, 18 holes cost €90 on weekdays in high season and €75 in low season; on public holidays and weekends €120 and €100. For members of foreign federations €100 and €85 on weekdays, €125 and €110 at weekends. Nine holes: €55 and €45.

A golf cart costs €60 for 18 holes (€30 for nine), an electric trolley €25, a manual one €10; the practice range €25. The club is closed on Mondays; from Tuesday to Sunday the clubhouse and course are open from 8 am to 6 pm on the 2025-2026 winter schedule. The required handicap is not stated: ask the secretary's office on 035 640028.

The idea came from the industrialist Cesare Magnetti, who found 85 hectares between Barzana and Almenno San Bartolomeo. Work began in 1959, lasted about two years and finished in the spring of 1961, with the inauguration at Easter. The first president was the engineer Carlo Pesenti, who provided the financial guarantees.

In 1996 the club hosted the 53rd Italian Open, a European Tour event: the Englishman Jim Payne won with 275 strokes (70-71-67-67), ahead of Patrik Sjöland; Costantino Rocca finished twentieth. Jimenez, third with Westwood and Lomas, shot the record 63.

The practice area has a range with year-round turf, a pitching green with four pin positions and a bunker, and two putting greens; the academy uses Trackman Pro and Sam Putt Lab. The clubhouse has a bar-restaurant, swimming pool, gym and massage room.

• A 63 with ten birdies. The course record belongs to Miguel Angel Jimenez, in the third round of the 1996 Open.
• A par changed for the Open. In 1996 the 1st hole of the Blue went from par 5 to par 4.
• Prize money in lire. The purse was 1.2 billion lire, 200 million to the winner.
• A nine with a name. The Red is the Magnetti Course, after the founder Cesare Magnetti.