Those that make the trip to the lovely island of Corsica to play the famous Spérone course will have one of the most unforgettable golfing experiences of their lives. The course at golf de Spérone is routed across a most intriguing and beautiful parcel of golfing land. It’s the only 18-hole golf course on Corsica and we think that Spérone is the model that all potential golf estates should aspire to. Golf de Spérone is located on cliffs directly above an azure blue sea. From here you are offered spectacular views onto the Mediterranean and across to the island of Cavallo, the Lavezzi archipelago and Sardinia (10 km to the south).
Opening for play in 1990, Spérone was designed by the great RTJ. “The tee from 12 is one of the most beautiful in the world”, said Robert Trent Jones Senior, “because of their beauty and variety, holes 12 to 16 at Spérone are comparable to the sea holes at Pebble Beach and Cypress Point.” We couldn’t agree more and Spérone is certainly a little piece of paradise and one of Europe’s most unique designs.
Spérone is not the longest course in the world, measuring 6,106 metres from the back tees, but the layout is up and down in the extreme. We recommend a buggy, unless you are feeling supremely fit. Napoleon was born here on this glorious Mediterranean island and some Corsicans believe that Christopher Columbus was born here too. We can’t guarantee that Columbus is Corsican, but we can guarantee that Spérone is one of the most varied and beautiful courses in the world.
Sperone’s signature hole, the par-5 16th, comes at the end of a fabulous six-hole cliff-top stretch. You tee off from a small headland (the southernmost tip of Corsica). The view over the Bay of Piantarella from here, with its luxury yachts, surfers and the Lavezzi archipelago is unbeatable. Also in the scene, as you play along the cliff’s edge, is the offshore island of Cavallo, also known as “Millionaires’ Island”.
In conclusion, Golf de Spérone is a must play course if you are visiting Corsica. It guarantees an unforgettable golf experience. Playing to your handicap, especially on a windy day, is tough and probably not achievable on a first visit.
