Golfing magic in the mountains

If you’re a big fan of spectacular, dramatic golf then the Dolomites in the magical, mountainous south Tyrol in Italy is the place to go.

It’s the ultimate great golfing escape, specially now that the five star Adler Dolomiti (www.adler-dolomiti.com) hotel in Ortisei has introduced a late summer /autumn holiday that combines golf and relaxation in the heart of Italy’s breathtaking Dolomites, where the spectacular scenery is as much a part of the experience as the golf.

The special Dolomites package includes either four or seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the Adler Dolomiti, one green fee (including use of a buggy) at nearest course San Vigilio and a 30% discount on additional green fees played at the same course as well as complimentary access to the Adler Spa. Prices for the four-night break start at Euros 471 (approx £375) per person based on two people sharing a double room, while the seven-night package starts from Euros 873 (approx £690).

Set in Val Gardena, one of the most beautiful areas of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage site – the luxury, historic Adler Dolomiti is a 20mins drive through the mountains from San Vigilio, surely one of Europe’s most breathtaking courses. The par-69 layout sits at an altitude of 850m and although short, it is testing with several of the well protected greens being raised and therefore demanding spot-on approach play.

The 4th and 15th are both memorable par-3s but the real highlight, quite literally, is the awesome mountain backdrop which will take your breath away. You can warm-up in style thanks to an outstanding two-tiered driving range.

Seven other courses are within about an hour’s drive of the Adler Dolomiti and the good news is that hotel guests also receive a 30% green fees reduction at both GC Castelrotto and GC Alta Badia, one of the highest nine-hole courses in Europe.

After a round you can unwind at the award-winning comprising individual treatments and holistic healing programmes, thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and even an underground salt grotto where you can float on the salty water without even trying.

Away from the courses, there are plenty of other outdoor pursuits for golfers and non-golfers to enjoy. The Dolomites are well known as a walker’s paradise, and cable cars close to the hotel give quick and easy access to a dense network of trails.

Another great place to stay is sister property the Mountain Lodge hotel (www.adler-lodge.com) which only opened in July and majestically sits at 1800m, providing a total of 30 rooms and world-class service, food and facilities and to-die-for views. It really is a piece of heaven on earth and you’ll be particularly knocked out by the wellness and spa which includes an infinity pool with amazing views of the Dolomites.

Everything about the Mountain Lodge is top drawer and that certainly includes the food which is great news because all guests stay on an all-inclusive basis. Room rates start from around £185pp per night.

In summary, mountain golf doesn’t get any better than this and if you’re looking for somewhere different and off the beaten track to stay and play then this particular striking corner of the south Tyrol region undoubtedly obliges.

Getting there: Fly to Verona (year-round), then travel to Ortisei by private transfer or airport coach.