Practice in style at classy Italian resort

Winter is a good time for golfers to practice and there has never been a better opportunity to learn the game than through a new intensive coaching programme developed by Grado Golf Club in north-east Italy.

Beginners can visit the stunning resort, in the region of Venice, to take part in a specialist programme delivered by Grado’s team of leading teaching professionals.

The package of ten lessons can be taken over two to five days and covers the basics of the game from grip, alignment and posture to building a swing. The coaches will take clients through the various shots required to play including drives, iron shots, chips, bunker play and putting.

At the end of the course, which can be tailored to the specific requirements of the individual golfer, clients will receive a certificate which demonstrates that they are capable of playing on a golf course. The package price starts at £330.

“There is a growing interest in taking up golf among many people who are simply looking for an enjoyable and welcoming opportunity to do so,” said Ivan Marzola, the owner of the Grado resort.

“Winter is traditionally a time for people to practice so we thought it would be the ideal time to offer a programme to people who would like to quickly learn the basics of the game and understand the etiquette required.

“Our teaching professionals are among the best in Italy and will deliver a standard of coaching that will help beginners to gain a feel for the game in just a few days.”

For experienced golfers Grado is offering special two night packages over the winter months with golf on the scenic championship course at Grado and accommodation in the Marina Suites. The package price starts at £150 for a double room and includes breakfast, two green fees, two driving range tokens and a trolley rental.

Grado has also formed a new partnership with the luxurious 4* Laguna Palace Hotel overlooking the Laguna di Grado. With a TripAdvisor rating of 97% the hotel is one of the finest in the area. Guests of Grado Golf Club can now take advantage of a reduced entry fee to the hotel´s sumptuous spa and enjoy rejuvenating massages at special rates. The Laguna Sky panoramic restaurant boasts wonderful views of Old Grado and is also well worth a visit.

Grado´s challenging 6650 yard championship golf course meanders past the Laguna and the Adriatic Sea. The signature par three opening hole plays to an island green which has led to media commentators describing the course as “the European Sawgrass”.

Winter weekday green fee offers excellent value at 45 euros. The happy Friday green fee for two players is 79 euros or 119 euros for 3 or 4 players. Note that the course will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays until March.

Located less than two hours’ drive from  Venice, Grado can be easily reached from the UK with a selection of direct flights from the larger UK cities to Venice or Trieste.