Golf Club Margara

Margara has two 18-hole courses, both par 72. The Glauco Lolli Ghetti is the older: a parkland course with large oaks framing the holes, wide fairways and gentle hills, 6,349 metres from the white tees. The 8th, the hardest (HCP 1), is the longest par 4 on the layout; the 11th is a par 5 with the famous ring of water; the 14th, another par 5, leaves the memory of a steeply sloping green.

La Guazzetta has a more modern stamp: open holes alternating with more technical ones, where strategy is dictated by the many water hazards. From the white tees it measures 6,597 metres. The 6th is a long par 4 with an uphill tee and a hidden landing area; the 9th is a par 3 over the lake with the clubhouse in the background and a bunker in front of the green; the 16th is the longest hole at the club, 523 metres from the men's tees, a par 5 with a blind drive and three bunkers guarding the green. The 17th completes the picture with a downhill par 4 and an uphill approach to a sharply angled green.

The price list on the website, which does not give the year, provides for 18 holes 70 euros on weekdays and 100 euros on public holidays and weekends, the same for Federgolf cardholders and non-cardholders; for 9 holes 40 and 60 euros. The golf buggy costs 50 euros for 18 holes (30 for 9), the electric trolley 20 euros, the hand trolley 5. Rental clubs cost 50 euros for 18 holes and 30 for 9: the pro shop has three men's sets, one women's and one left-handed.

Those who play often can take the Margara Friends Card, 130 euros a year, which includes one green fee and discounts of 25% on weekdays and 10% on public holidays and weekends. The required handicap and closing day are not given on the website: better to ask the office on 0131 778555. The dress rules also apply off the course: in the common areas no swimwear, bare chests or flip-flops, and in the evening at the restaurant long trousers and closed shoes for men.

Margara is the work of Glauco Lolli-Ghetti (1921-2006), a shipowner who in the 1960s discovered the estate in Monferrato and set up a farm there. His dream gave rise to the first 18 holes; in 1996 work began on the second, which started as nine holes and was completed at 18 in 2006, the year of his death, under the name La Guazzetta. The club speaks of more than 22 Challenge Tour stops and numerous national championships.

The clubhouse has changing rooms, a gym with sauna, an indoor simulator and a panoramic terrace over the courses. The restaurant and bar open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm (Monday until 7 pm); after 7 pm they are open to the public too. At the academy the teachers are Paolo Massiglia, at the club since 1997, Emanuele Demichelis and Paolo Pustetto, a former national-team player and Challenge Tour player: a one-hour lesson costs 70 euros for guests, and the indoor studio is equipped with Trackman.

• A ring designed by the founder. At the 11th hole of the Lolli Ghetti course the ring-shaped water hazard is the direct work of Glauco Lolli-Ghetti.
• From nine to eighteen. La Guazzetta began in 1996 as a nine-hole course, called Giallo, and was completed in 2006.
• A 523-metre par 5. The 16th of La Guazzetta is the longest hole at the club.
• A park of champions. The club has hosted 22 editions of the Challenge Tour and two Ladies Italian Opens.