Golf Club San Donato

The course is the work of Peter McEvoy and Craig Cooke, and it was completed and opened for play in March 2005. The club describes it as a layout designed for players of every level, with holes that are “very distinctive even if not too long”.

The landscape is that of the Abruzzo Apennines: the mountains form the backdrop and, according to the club, the depth of the course makes it easy to follow the flight of the ball at all times; on the horizon stands the Gran Sasso massif. In play there is a pond and a few streams, the greens are undulating and hard to read, and many treacherous bunkers complete the course's defences.

Guests book their start time through the online tee time system on the website. The published price list shows a green fee of 30 euros, with no distinction between 9 and 18 holes or between weekdays and weekends; the practice range costs 10 euros and a token 2. The golf cart costs 30 euros for members and 40 for non-members, a manual trolley 5 euros and an electric one 10. The club also offers a package of five rounds for 100 euros, valid for one month, excluding August.

The rules require soft spikes and a polo shirt with a collar; jeans, cargo trousers, drawstring trousers and sandals are not allowed. Before playing, players register at the pro shop. The website gives no handicap limit or closing day: if in doubt, call 347 8387007.

The practice range has six covered and seven open bays, along with a putting green and a pitching green. The bar serves breakfasts and light lunches; the club rents out manual and electric trolleys and electric golf carts.

The changing rooms have hairdryers and linen, there is a bag storage area and an outdoor swimming pool. The calendar lists the Trofeo Gruppo Iannini, with tee times set for 6 September 2026.

• Little water, well placed. In play there is just one pond and a few streams.
• Greens to study. The club describes them as undulating and hard to read.
• The Gran Sasso as a backdrop. It is the mountains that give the course its “depth” and let you follow the ball.