Liguria
Located in Cogoleto on the Riviera di Ponente, Golf Club Genova Sant'Anna is a 36-hole facility designed by the renowned architect Robert von Hagge. The course is split into two distinct nine-hole loops: the Sea Course and the Mountains Course. The Sea Course is characterized by its proximity to the coast, featuring elevated tees and panoramic views, while the Mountains Course offers a more rugged terrain with significant elevation changes and water hazards. The facility is open seven days a week and has hosted two Italian Professional Championships, as well as serving as a training venue for the Italian National Amateur Team. The Sea Course begins with a demanding Par 5 first hole, where long players are advised to play a three-shot approach to reach a shallow, undulating green. The second hole is considered the signature of the front nine, requiring a long and accurate shot over a generous lake to a green protected by a deep bunker on the right. The back nine includes a short Par 3 fifth hole with a green positioned sideways and defended by bunkers, reminiscent of Augusta National’s 12th, and a straight uphill Par 4 seventh hole with a wide green and a central pot bunker. The course concludes with a short uphill Par 4 ninth hole located in front of the clubhouse terrace. The Mountains Course presents a different challenge, starting with a Par 4 first hole that features an elevated tee and a water obstacle crossing the fairway. The second hole is a short Par 5 with a three-tiered green surrounded entirely by water. The front nine includes a challenging Par 4 sixth hole, described as one of the most complex on the course, which doglegs left and features a small green defended by a stream. The back nine features a short Par 3 seventh hole with a large green divided by a high step in the center, and a Par 3 eighth hole that plays to a steep bank with varied flag positions. The course finishes with a 90-degree dogleg Par 4 ninth hole, where powerful players may attempt to reach the green in one shot. Robert von Hagge, who designed over 250 courses worldwide including Le Golf National, tailored the layout to suit various handicap levels while maintaining the natural morphology of the Ligurian landscape. The design emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, with the architect studying the shadows cast by trees and ground undulations to enhance the aesthetic experience. The club occupies 65 hectares of countryside, saving the area from deterioration and enhancing its environmental value. The facility is easily accessible from Genoa, Piedmont, Lombardy, and the French Riviera, offering a tranquil setting for golfers throughout the year.
