The Italian Seniors Open will have a new home in the picturesque region of Lake Garda as part of a new three-year agreement, with the first edition taking place at Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort from October 10-12, 2008.
Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort boasts two of Italy’s finest courses, the Championship Resort Course designed by Jack Nicklaus II and a 9 hole inland links designed by Gary Player. It is also the home of the first PGA of Europe Golf Academy in Italy.
The hotel itself is the magnificent 15th century Palazzo Arzaga, carefully transformed into a five-star hotel with frescoed rooms and suites, golf courses, swimming pools, fine restaurants and bars, spa and conference facilities, all immersed in the beautiful countryside of Lake Garda.
The event, which has been played in Venice on the last four occasions, has a management structure which is a joint venture between the European Seniors Tour and the F.I.G (Italian Golf Federation). The Organising Committee is chaired by Donato di Ponziano, Technical Advisor of the F.I.G and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Italian Open.
Andy Stubbs, managing director of the European Seniors Tour, said, “The move to Lake Garda heralds an exciting new future for the Italian Seniors Open in one of the most picturesque regions of Europe. The relationship with the Italian Golf Federation and the new support of the Lake Garda Association will ensure the Italian Seniors Open continues to flourish as one of the most popular events on the European Seniors Tour.”
The Lake Garda Golf Association, formed in 2005, aims to promote the Lake Garda district as an international golfing destination. This stunning part of Italy has all the hospitality and infrastructure, combined with magnificent golf courses, to develop into one of Europe’s premier golfing regions.
The Lake Garda Golf Association encompasses courses on both sides of Lake Garda. In the Province of Brescia (Lombardy) are Palazzo Arzaga, Bogliaco Golf Resort, Gardagolf Country Club and Franciacorta Golf Club, while the Province of Verona (Verona) includes Golf Club Verona, Golf Club VillaFranca and Paradiso del Garda Golf Club in Peshiera del Garda.
The Italian Seniors Open was first played in 2004 when Australian Terry Gale emerged victorious at Circolo Golf Venezia. The tournament returned in 2005 when Frenchman Gery Watine won and then in 2006 Scotland’s Sam Torrance triumphed to become the first player to win both the regular and seniors versions of the Italian Open. This year New Zealand’s Simon Owen won the title after a four-man play-off.
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