Andy Mossack takes on Golf Club Lugano and finds himself seduced by the flora, fauna and abundance of water hazards.
Not far from lovely Lugano the Magliasina River weaves its way around the tiny municipality of Magliaso. And back in 1915 it was deemed the perfect spot for a golf course by Erwin von Riedemann, a German migrant who had a passion for golf. His original 9-hole course was made all the tougher by including the flowing river in many of the holes and was one of the very first courses in Switzerland.
Today’s 18-hole version (it was extended in 1970 by renowned golfing architect Donald Harradine) is considered something of a miracle, as it’s squeezed into just 32 hectares (80 acres) when most courses average 50 hectares (126 acres).
The course is a par 70 and runs to 5,622 metres off the white boxes with three par 5s, ten par 4s and five par 3s. And due to Ticino’s microclimate, the course is open all year around, something of a rarity in Switzerland. Having said that, the fairways are lush and the greens fast and true.
But don’t let this fool you, Golf Club Lugano may be compact and pretty flat, but this pocket rocket packs a punch. You’ll be introduced to the onrushing Magliasina River no less than eight times during your round, and each narrow fairway is lined with rows of birch, oak, fir and ash trees. Still, should you get a bit hot under the collar, there are beautiful arrays of calming colourful rhododendrons, oleanders and azaleas to calm your heated brow. Even the charming clubhouse is a lovely pastel pink.
Lugano golf course’s compactness can lead to a few orientation issues. For example, getting to the first tee entails a little hike. Then an even longer hike around the exterior of the driving range before finally arriving at the second tee. With the river playing such a big part in the layout there are plenty of bridges to navigate too so it could be possible to get marooned if you take a wrong turn. The only way would be to retrace your steps over various bridges to get back on track.
But hey, it’s all part of the Golf Club Lugano’s charm.
You are at it from the very start, having to drive over the Magliasina from the first tee. Then the second hole is index 1 par 5, the river running parallel to the fairway along the entire left side of the hole. A very tricky tee shot that obviously means anything left is wet wet wet. There are also some delightful par 3 lake holes like the 11th for example, with no room for error. The tenth was probably my favourite, a short par 4 where the green is squeezed between two lakes.
Back in the clubhouse, there’s a lovely terrace to have a consolation drink and count how many balls you have left. I can almost hear Herr Riedemann laughing heartily!
Tell me more about Golf Club Lugano
Golf Club Lugano, Via Boett 2, 6983 Magliaso, Lugano Switzerland.
T: +41 91 606 15 57 E: info@golflugano.ch
Green fees
18 holes
Weekdays CHF 130. (£116) Saturday, Sunday and public holidays CHF 150 (£134)
Weekdays CHF 70 (£62) Saturday, Sunday and public holidays CHF 90 (£80)
