Italian golf resort Antognolla Golf has appointed Gian Mario Geromino, one of the top Italian turf professionals, as its new Golf Course Superintendent, with a brief to help take the newly renovated course to the highest levels of condition and presentation.
Geromino joins Antognolla Golf from Verdura Resort in Sicily, where he was responsible for the 45 holes of golf and delivering the tournament conditions for a course that hosted two editions of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open during his stewardship.
César Burguière, Golf Director at the Perugia-based resort, commented: “We have invested substantial amounts in the renovation and enhancement of the golf course, but this is just the start, and our aim is to now ensure the course becomes one of the best conditioned courses in Italy. We are delighted with the work Gian Mario has already started to deliver, and thrilled to have one of the top Italian superintendents leading our greenkeeping team.”
Geromino will now assume the responsibility of maturing the Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed course following the extensive renovations which took place in 2018. This work included a complete redesign and modernisation of the bunkering, along with 13.5 acres of irrigated turfgrass reduction, the resurfacing of all 18 tee grounds, newly designed practice facilities and an expanded drainage system that will create year-round playability. The highly regarded existing bentgrass greens that Antognolla is known for remain intact.
Burguière added: “The changes have made a huge impact visually, but also in creating a golf course which is now playable all year round. We are excited to continue the agronomy development under Gian Mario’s leadership.”
The golf course renovation project is part of the wider development of Antognolla Luxury Resort and Residences. This project will see the stunning 12th-century castle sensitively integrated as part of a luxury brand hotel, with a new spa and country pursuits, as well as a limited number of magnificent residences that overlook the golf course and estate grounds.