In 1967 the Aga Khan IV founded the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo, five years before Pevero opened its first hole. Sea and fairway have watched each other ever since: here is how a week of sailing and a week of golf fit together.
On the Costa Smeralda the sea is visible from almost every hole. Pevero opened in 1972; the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, in Porto Cervo, had existed since 1967, founded by the Aga Khan IV. The coast thus leads two parallel lives: where you moor, where you play, and how some hotels link the two.
The Yacht Club and the regatta calendar
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is known for its international regattas for superyachts, maxi yachts and one-design boats. For 2026 the club announced four flagship events, all already held: the Range Rover Sardinia Cup (31 May-7 June), the Rolex TP 52 World Championship (15-20 June), the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (6-12 September) and the Rolex Swan Cup (13-19 September). The club also organises the Palermo-Porto Cervo-Monte Carlo race and runs a sailing school accredited by the Italian Sailing Federation.
Its record also includes the America's Cup: according to Wikipedia, the YCCS challenged in 1983 at Newport with Azzurra, which finished third, and in 1987, at Fremantle, with Azzurra '87, as the leading challenger. In 1984 it also hosted the 12 Metre World Championship.
For those who want to watch the regattas rather than take part, September is the month of the maxis: the 2027 dates should be requested from the club.
The La Maddalena archipelago, the destination for boat trips
Many outings head for the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, established in 1994: 5,100 hectares of land and 15,046 of sea, with the islands of La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Razzoli and Budelli. The park is about 78% marine and is part of the marine mammal sanctuary. The rules on mooring, anchoring and beach access are specific and change: check them with the park authority before setting sail.
Two hotels explicitly link golf to the sea. At the Hotel Pitrizza the concierge arranges sailing trips to the La Maddalena archipelago or as far as Bonifacio, in Corsica; the Romazzino has a private sandy beach facing La Maddalena.
The courses: Pevero and Puntaldia
Pevero is the benchmark course: 18 holes, par 72, 6,107 metres, designed by Robert Trent Jones, on the Costa Smeralda between Pevero Bay and Cala di Volpe Bay. From the 4th hole you can see the snow-capped peaks of Corsica and the island of Caprera; the 16th hole is a tribute to James Bond. In 1978 it hosted the Italian Open, won by Dale Hayes with 293 strokes. The 2026 rate for 18 holes ranges from 120 to 180 euros depending on the season, with a maximum handicap of 54 and a dress code (no jeans or T-shirts).
Further south, in San Teodoro, Puntaldia is a technical nine-hole course, almost all par 3s, with the 6th hole perched above the rocks and a view of Cinta beach. It is run by the Due Lune resort, where boats can be rented at the Puntaldia marina. It is the most compact example of the pairing: course, private beach and marina in the same village.
The hotels of Porto Cervo and Arzachena
- Hotel Cala di Volpe: the village designed by Jacques Couëlle on the bay of the same name has 121 rooms. To reach the sea you take a boat: a shuttle every 30 minutes, from 10 am to 5 pm, leaves the private jetty for the reserved beach. Pevero sells guests the Unlimited Golf package, with unlimited play, breakfast, one 18-hole round for two and discounted lessons.
- Hotel Pitrizza: a small hotel of 49 rooms and 16 villas, 5 km from Porto Cervo, which has neither a course nor a golf package but recommends Pevero to its guests.
- Romazzino: 94 rooms and six villas; managed by Belmond since 2024, it arranges golf lessons at Pevero.
A sample week
A week can alternate two rounds at Pevero, a day at sea towards La Maddalena (with the park rules in hand), a day of regattas if you happen to be there in late May-June or in September, and a round at Puntaldia for those staying in San Teodoro. Sea and courses change with the wind: at Pevero, the club writes, it is the mistral that makes the difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda founded?+
In 1967, at the wish of the Aga Khan IV, in Porto Cervo.
Which regattas take place on the Costa Smeralda?+
In 2026 the club announced the Range Rover Sardinia Cup (31 May-7 June), the Rolex TP 52 World Championship (15-20 June), the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (6-12 September) and the Rolex Swan Cup (13-19 September).
How much is the green fee at Pevero?+
In 2026, from 120 to 180 euros for 18 holes, depending on the season: the highest price applies from 20 July to 16 August. A recognised federation card and a maximum handicap of 54 are required.
Can you sail to La Maddalena from Porto Cervo?+
Yes, some hotels, such as the Pitrizza, arrange sailing trips to the archipelago. The national park rules on mooring and beaches should be checked with the authority.
Can you rent boats near a golf course?+
At Puntaldia, in the Due Lune resort, boats can be rented at the marina; prices and conditions are available from the resort.
Where can you play golf on the Costa Smeralda?+
At Pevero Golf Club (18 holes, par 72), while further south, in San Teodoro, there is Puntaldia, a nine-hole course.
