Venezia - Northern Italy - Italy

Iconic golf course in the Lido island of Venice. I was played at middle of September 2021 and was really satisfied. My opinion it is one of the most iconic course in Italy with story and atmosphere of ages. This par 72 course, 6039 metres from white tee, not so easy as looks after first two holes.

First of all I touched at arrival that everywhere was not careful maintenanced, but staff are polite and attentive. Restaurant was full but not the golf course. I guess lot of members like more to have a good meal and conversation than unpredictable golf round. Concerning architecture and picturesque this golf course is attractive and not boring with many of hazards, high trees, fauna on the course. Many fairways are outlined by a variety of trees, such as maritime pines, willow trees, poplars and mulberries underlining the importance of accuracy from tee. In general condition of fields and surroundings were good, greens was soft, fast and unpredictable. Golf course is challenging (from white tees), with some long par 5 and par 4 holes. Accuracy and distance from tee is the key to success.

Front nines I find easier than back. For long hitters the 6th hole (par 5) green is reachable by two. Actually one of the best hole, the legendary hole 9 with a blind shot crossing through the fort, was the cherry on cake. The second 9 holes are longer and include 2 excellent par 5, namely hole 11 and 13 – leading to the final stretch, 5 consecutive par 4 meander among the trees and require greater tee or fairway accuracy to hit the small and elevated greens which are always well protected. Value for price I found good here.

No doubt every golf course rating is always a subject with a lot of subjectivity, depending on various criteria. I always rating by the following criteria: course complexity or challenging, fields condition (especially greens & fairways), service (only what you can get: buggie, clubs rent, condition of clubs, the amount of choice and etc. except staff and other subjective things that depends on your or staff mood), surrounding views or pleasure to the eyes and definitely value for the price. All criteries will be rating from 1 to 5 stars. Concerning Circolo Golf Venezia my personal opinion is follow:

1. Challenging – 4*+

2. Condition – 4*

3. Service - 5*

4. Surroundings - 5*

5. Value for the price - 4*+

I look forward to coming back here for the next round.

Circle Golf Venezia is located on the island of Lido, just 30 minutes by water taxi from the heart of Venice- thereby providing a unique golfing experience in an iconic destination

Originally a links style course routed around the ancient Venetian fortress of San Nicolo, the trees planted in the course's early days have matured and now provide a tight tree lined parkland style course. And I do mean tight!

The course rates as hard for most players, but the shorter straighter hitter who can stay out of the trees can score quite well. The course is nicely contoured, and a lovely course to walk. Gentle undulations throughout offer some interest and relief from what is essentially a flat course.

The green complexes vary in size, but have enough movement to retain your interest. Some are quite small targets, while others are larger, but with distinct areas of the green allowing for a variety of pin positions. Most are protected by clusters of bunkers.

An accurate golfer should be in their element here as length is not a major issue.

And once the tee shot is caressed into a position on the fairway in view of the green, I found a number of the greens to be quite appealing targets.

Notable holes include holes 1, 3, 9 (over the old fort wall), 15 & 18.

Golf Club Venezia is certainly an interesting course, but in my opinion the course might benefit from pruning back of the trees which I believe have grown beyond the original links design. They dominate just a little too much.

Nevertheless it is a fine course and a proud club. No golfer should visit Venice and not play Venezia! It really is a unique golfing experience..

Peter Wood is the founder of The Travelling Golfer – click the link to read his full review.