Golfing in South Tyrol: 10 things you should know about it

South Tyrol is considered a real insider tip among golfers because it convinces with grandiose golf courses. One of them is only a short "tee shot" away from the Sporthotel Panorama: the Tranrüs golf course in Corvara. At 1,700 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest golf courses in Europe. Here are 10 tips to help you get into top form and make the most out of your golf holiday in the Dolomites.

1.  Physical conditions
Playing golf does not require any particular speed or quick reactions, but the effort involved should not be underestimated. A complete round of golf over 18 holes easily covers between six and eight kilometres on foot. The golf course in Corvara is perfect for beginners. It has a course length of 2,730 metres for 9 holes and despite the alpine location at the foot of the Sella Group and the Sassongher, the difference in altitude is only 45 metres. But even the most experienced professionals will find new challenges here and can put their concentration to the test, as there is a high risk of distraction against the Dolomite backdrop.

2.  Learning from the pro
No golfer has ever fallen from the sky! Training with a golf pro is indispensable if you want to learn the basics of the sport or hone your technique. A holiday at the Sporthotel Panorama is the perfect opportunity for a few golf lessons because the golf school is only three minutes away. At the Alta Badia Golf Club, 30- and 60-minute training sessions are offered from June to September, with equipment provided free of charge.

3.  Practice makes the golfer
Whether you are a novice golfer or a professional: Before you venture out onto the real golf courses, you should first "warm up" and practise the various shots. The driving range is a practice area where you can practise teeing off at medium and long distances. Here you have enough time and can try out everything that comes to mind without pressure. The Tranrüs golf course in Alta Badia also has a driving range where you can warm up and hone your swing technique in peace and quiet.

4.  Hole on the putting green
In addition to the long tee shots, you should also practise putting in advance. When putting, the ball is not hit through the air but rolled unerringly with the putter towards the hole. The putting green is a practice green that simulates the different terrain characteristics of the golf course in a very small space. Here there is a series of holes with small, stylised flags that are numbered like the large flags on the golf course. On the golf course in Corvara you can practice putting next to the clubhouse and the driving range.

5.  The clubhouse as a meeting place
The clubhouse is the focal point of every golf course. Every golfer comes to the clubhouse before and after the round, which is why it is ironically also called the 19th hole. The clubhouse of the Alta Badia golf club houses the secretary's office for registration, changing rooms with showers and a bar in typical Alpine style. Here you can enjoy the view of the rugged Dolomite peaks to the fullest after your game of golf.

6.  Local golf course etiquette
Golf etiquette includes behavioural guidelines that apply to all players on the golf course. The guidelines cover topics such as dress, proper conduct on a golf course, safety on the golf course, consideration for fellow players as well as opponents and respect for nature. Etiquette often depends on the country or region. What you are allowed to do and what you are not allowed to do is usually posted on the golf course's "notice board".

7.  The right equipment
The good news for beginners: If you want to try out golf, you do not have to buy any equipment yet. There are trial offers that include all the equipment on loan. Moreover, the first steps on the golf course can still be taken in simple walking shoes and comfortable clothing. However, once you have passed the course entrance exam, you should replace them with golf shoes and a shirt with a collar or a polo shirt. Golf gloves and a water bottle are also part of the equipment. The golf bag keeps everything together, including the 14 clubs and golf balls. Those who prefer smiling to panting use a trolley for easier movement.

8.  The path to course maturity
You can think of the license to play golf as a kind of driving licence or entrance ticket: Anyone who has passed the golf driving test knows how to behave on the course and what the rules of golf are. Handicap examination, knowledge of the rules of golf and golf etiquette as well as a minimum level of playing ability must be demonstrated. A license to play golf is required to become a member of a golf club and to be allowed to play on all golf courses.

9.  Improve the handicap
The handicap describes the playing strength of an amateur golfer. After passing the course entrance exam, one starts with a handicap of -54. Ideally, 72 strokes are often needed to pass a golf course. A beginner golfer with a handicap of -54 gets 54 strokes ahead. With the help of the handicap, results of players with different strengths can be compared. The ultimate is a golf handicap of 0. The handicap can be improved in officially counted rounds of golf and tournaments.

10.  Golf in midsummer
On hot summer days, it can get quite uncomfortable on some golf courses. Lots of water, early morning or evening tee times and a white golf cap can help. Even more ideal is to look for a high-altitude golf course in the mountains. Located at an altitude of 1,700 metres, the Tranrüs golf course is considered the highest in the Alpine region. In high summer, golfing in the pleasantly fresh mountain air is not as sweaty as at lower altitudes.

Fancy a game of golf in South Tyrol? With our Sporthotel shuttle, we will get you to the scenic Tranrüs in no time at all. Browse through our offers or book your golf holiday in the Dolomites right here!