The oldest golf club in the Italian Northeast, Circolo Golf Venezia was founded on a 9-hole course in 1928 by members of the Venetian aristocracy. Their layout was designed by a Scottish professional and perfectly positioned on a narrow strip of land between the Lagoon of Venice and the Adriatic Sea. Both Hitler and Mussolini played the course, prior to 1951 when it was expanded to 18 holes by C.K. Cotton.

The Cotton course remains in place today with the inevitable and unfortunate back tee and bunker tweaks you commonly see in this part of the world. It also has too many trees now, which detract from any original links-like characteristics the layout might have had. The wind is a common feature when playing here, and the fact you are on the Lido Sandbar and so close to the heart of Venice make it a very cool place for golf.