Just got back from a trip to Northern Italy that included some golf. Want to warn people of the course conditions due to this year's extreme heat and drought.
The courses fairways have grass coverage that ranges from 5 to 40 percent (i.e., 95 percent dirt/dead grass at worst case). The tee boxes were a little better and the greens much better. I never got a straight story on what happened but it was evident that due to water rationing they couldn't irrigate the fairways.
I spoke to some people who had played in Morocco, France, and Southern Italy and they had the same story. (Scotland and Ireland appear to be in fine shape, based upon some TV coverage I saw). The absolute best course they played was little better than a second-rate muni in course condition.
It is a shame, as these are architecturally very good courses. However, they are set up to be lush "American style" courses and don't fair well without irrigation.
My guess is it will be several years before these courses are back in good shape, even with sufficient water.
FWIW - you shouldn't be playing golf in Italy anyway, there are much better things to do, but that is a different story.
/Ed
