Garlenda Golf Club ☆ Follow

Located in the Lerrone valley in the Ligurian hinterland, Garlenda Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course designed by British architects John Morrison and John Harris. Opened in 1964, the layout spans 6,085 meters and is situated among ancient olive groves and pine forests. The course is characterized by gentle ups and downs, with a distinct transition in scenery between the front and back nine. The first nine holes traverse a rural atmosphere defined by centuries-old olive trees and historic buildings, while the second nine moves into a territory dominated by tall oaks and pines with expansive views. The design by Morrison and Harris utilizes the natural terrain to create a challenging experience for golfers of varying handicaps. The course features a mix of dog-leg holes, narrow fairways, and strategic obstacles. Notable difficulties include the technical long par-4 fourth hole, which requires precise placement, and the short but treacherous sixth hole. The front nine also features the narrow, par-5 third hole, where the men’s tee shot is particularly complex due to out-of-bounds restrictions. The back nine introduces more significant hazards, including water and out-of-bounds areas. The eleventh hole marks the beginning of what is described as the "Amen Corner," featuring a straight but difficult par-4. The twelfth hole is a long dog-leg to the right with water guarding the left side of the fairway. The thirteenth hole, a long par-3, is considered one of the most difficult on the course, with wind patterns consistently blowing from left to right. The course concludes with a demanding eighteenth hole, a par-4 that presents a wood on the right and a large tree at the edge, challenging mid-to-high handicap players. Handicap indices for the course range from 1 to 18, with specific holes designated as the most difficult, such as the fourth (HCP 2), twelfth (HCP 1), and thirteenth (HCP 13). The course rating for men is 72.0 from the yellow tees, while the women’s rating is 73.6. The club also offers a driving range equipped with Toptracer technology and a golf school for instruction. The setting remains close to the sea and historic resorts like Alassio and Albenga, blending sport with the natural landscape of western Liguria.