The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Europe’s golf and wine experience at Italy’s only private golf club, is to be extended and enhanced as part of a major course upgrade this winter. In the year the 2023 Ryder Cup comes to Italy, a multi-million Euro investment will lengthen the course to 7,500 yards and further enhance the exclusive playing experience for club members and guests of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco.
The 18-hole championship course, designed by the late Tom Weiskopfin partnership with Phil Smith, will benefit from new back tees; restoration of the bunkers to their original shape with new bunker liners; more than 135,000 meters of new drainage for year round play; introduction of drought tolerant grasses; improved irrigation for water efficiency and an upgraded practice range, with expanded tees and targets.
The work is being overseen by golf course architect Phil Smith, long-time partner of Tom Weiskopf and collaborator on the original course design, with construction company Atlantic Golf and leading golf course consultancy company Turfgrass, which oversaw the transformation of the 2027 Ryder Cup venue at Adare Manor, Ireland.
Phil Smith said: “Our objective has always been to make Castiglion del Bosco the finest golf experience in Italy. As with all great courses, it is important to continue to invest and evolve and that is what we are doing, by extending the course to professional tournament length and ensuring world-class playing conditions all year round and resilience in a changing climate.”
Phil Smith said the course, which features a closed drainage system, reusing irrigation water and capturing run off, remains one of the most sustainable he and Tom Weiskopf had designed in 20 years of working together.
“The new turf variations and improvements to the closed drainage system, will ensure the traditional Tuscan style and sustainable roots remain an integral part of the course design and ensure The Club at Castiglion del Bosco continues to be regarded as one of the top courses in Italy.”
Famously, Tom Weiskopf added a short 19th hole, The Brunello Hole, where members and residents can settle matches and play for a Magnum of Brunello di Montalcino from the estate’s prestigious winery.
David Waters, general manager of The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, said: “Our course overlooks the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO protected landscape, and is rightly recognised as one of the finest private courses in Europe.
“As Tom Weiskopf’s only golf course design in Europe, we are committed to continually maintaining and improving the course in the way he envisioned, with sustainability at the forefront of our long-term plans. We are delighted to welcome back Phil Smith, to lead the work and help realise our shared ambitions for The Club to be seen as one of the very best golf courses in the world.”
