Golf in Apulia

In contrast to the rest of southern Italy, Puglia is gentle. No rocky coastline like in Calabria, no uneven volcanic soil like in Campania or Sicily. Instead: rolling hills, flat coastal land, sandy beaches. No gruffness anywhere. And the people are also polite, reserved, not barkers. And the golf courses? At ground level, with sea view. No hills, at most a fresh wind that comes from the sea and tastes salty on the lips.

“The most beautiful south of Italy” said a golf magazine about Puglia. That’s true for me too. The combination of culture, culinary delights and, of course, golf is impressive here.
– Roly Petermann, owner Greengolf

The up-and-coming golf region offers excellent golf hotels, many stylish masserias and five golf courses, including the two top courses San Domenico Golf and Acaya Golf. Puglia is known for its white trulli, the traditional stone houses with conical roofs, such as in the small town of Alberobello, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. In the port city of Otranto, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the region, tourists stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town and visit the Cathedral of Santa Annunziata.

Other cultural highlights include the early Apulian settlement of Eganzua and the stalactite cave Grotte di Castellana. Beautiful Lecce is home to some of the highlights of the Italian Baroque capital. The beaches of the Salento peninsula are among the most beautiful in Italy, especially in Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli. It is worth booking a local guide for the excursion to Matera, where the last James Bond was filmed, and thanks to the guide you will learn a lot more about the beautiful town.
No guide is needed for the golf courses: Acaya has a varied design and is similar to a Scottish links course. It stretches between Acaja Castle, the Adriatic Sea and the Cesine nature reserve. Dense oak forests and extensive olive groves border the demanding 18-hole course, which is a challenge even for experienced golfers thanks to the three lakes.

The flat 18-hole San Domenico golf course is pleasant to play for all levels. All against an impressive backdrop: Gnarled olive trees, rolling wheat fields and a deep blue sea. Located near the fishing village of Savelletri between Bari and Brindisi, the 18-hole course (par 72) borders directly on the remains of the ancient city of Egnazia and is just a few hundred meters from the coast. From every tee, green and fairway you have a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. The sophisticated course was designed by renowned architects from the “European Golf Design” group.
The nearby hotel “Masseria Torre Maizza – a Rocco Forte Hotel” is also great. The original 16th century farmhouse, which was only converted into a hotel at the beginning of 2000, only has 40 rooms, but offers everything you could wish for. Among other things, a really nice 9-hole par 3 course and access to a private beach club.

The area is also known for its truly authentic food and drink. Here are two more personal tips, there are many more. In Ostuni, for example, Ricardo’s Caffee for an aperitif and the Ristorante Piazzetta Cattedrale for a delicious dinner. There you have to book well in advance. In Savelletri, for example, the Osteria del Porto impressed me with its wide range of fresh fish.