Luxury golf by the Italian lakes

The Italian lakes are well known for sedate boat trips and gentle waterside strolls, but they also make one of the most beautiful settings to be out on the golf course.

A luxury weekend playing golf in lavish green surroundings with views of lakes and distant snow covered mountains has to rank as one of the ultimate golf trips.

The lakes also have a wide range of courses on offer.

There is big golf, American style, at two new clubs near Lake Orta: Castelconturbia, a triple-nine by Trent Jones, and Bogogno, with two courses landscaped by Robert von Hagge, the Michelangelo of contemporary golf.

This resort claims to offer 36 of the best holes in Europe, partly down to the unbeatable natural backdrop of the Alps.

For a more traditional atmosphere, you can visit Varese golf club, which has its clubhouse in a former monastery.

Built high above lake Varese, one of the smallest in Lombardy, this course provides a test of stamina and skill on hilly terrain.

However, if this sounds like too much of a challenge, the breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside should make up for the low score.

There is also another traditional club in the area – the Villa d'Este, one of Italy's more established courses having opened in 1926.

Set in beautiful woods beside the Montorfano, another small lake in the region, it is situated at 400m altitude making it pleasant to play even during the heat of August.

As well as being a challenging par 69 designed by Peter Gannon, it also holds a number of important international tournaments every year.

The club is also popular with locals, not because they enjoy watching the golf, but because of the club house's outstanding restaurant.

The lakes are also home to one of the world's finest golf resorts in the luxurious Palazzo Arzaga near Verona.

The resort has a golf academy, tennis courts and a spa, as well as two strong courses (put together by golfers Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player).

The resort has 27 holes available and huge greens that test all standards.

There is also plenty to explore away from the greens. The surrounding area has a wealth of art, cultural and gastronomic attractions such as the top wine region Franciacorta and Mantua.

The city of Verona is only half an hour away, and the major tourist attraction of Sirmione, located by Lake Garda is also close at hand.

Three nights at the beautifully restored 15th century five-star Palazzo Arzaga Hotel and Spa including bed and breakfast, scheduled flights to Verona and car hire starts from £495 per person (based on two sharing).

Longer and shorter durations are available on request. For more information see www.golfitalia.co.uk. XXX