Golf Development Sparks Environmental and Community Debate in Northern Italy
On Lake Garda, Brescia and Verona residents observe with a touch of apprehension the “golf war” that has erupted along the Trentino Riviera. The green courses are a significant attraction for tourists from across the border. Many Germans spend their weekends (even during the winter season) at Bogliaco, Sciano, and Arzaga. Alternatively, they head to Màrciaga di Costermano and Cà del Sale di Sommacampagna. These affluent clients also support local hotels by their patronage.
Due to the boom in this sport, discussions have started in Riva as well. A group of private companies has designed a golf course in the Gaggio pine forest area of Dro, near the Marocche, on a 70-hectare site, receiving approval (and funding promises) from the Province. The course, conceived by American architect Peter Harradine, utilized the region’s unique terrain, incorporating natural obstacles into the design: a total length of 5,295 meters, with a 72-stroke par, considered excellent requirements for competitive play.
The project and environmental considerations
At the center, on the highest point, stands the Club House, featuring a terrace offering views of Lake Garda’s northern part. To enhance ecological sustainability, the plan bans motor vehicles on site. Only electric vehicles would be permitted inside. External parking would be connected via shuttle buses. However, residents of Dro are divided; in a referendum held last November, opposition prevailed.
The concern over negative environmental impacts (such as deep modifications to the landscape, significant water consumption, the inevitable use of herbicides, and the risk of real estate speculation in neighboring municipalities) outweighed discussions of economic growth, positive effects on commerce and tourism, and job creation. Now, supporters have shifted their attention to Arco. The city council — prompted by a group including Albino Marchi, carnival patron; Ennio Righi; Stefano De Toni; Enzo Benedetti; Nicola Tarolli; Sergio Fontana; Ivo Boroni; Bruno Lunelli; and Marcelle Berlanda — wasted no time, unanimously approving a motion that mandates the majority to identify the most suitable location.
Proposals include placing the golf course on the agricultural property “Bruttagosto” owned by the Fondazione Comunità di Arco, which has long struggled to balance its finances (though Vice Mayor Prandi opposes it, fearing the sacrifice of several thousand quintals of high-quality apples). Others suggest alternative sites, such as around Col Longa and Fibbie, downstream from the Maza road. In any case, all parties are inclined toward a positive decision.
Subsequently, the provincial tourism assessor, Marco Benedetti (Francesco Moser’s successor), will be contacted. It is expected that funds to implement the project will come from him, and the operation might be carried out directly by Amsa spa, the municipal utility company (which manages the Casino, campground, and other properties).
Golf in Arco was first discussed as early as October 1922. The former office of foreign visitors, later transformed into a tourism agency, had requested the Prà de la fam area from the municipality—distinct from that of Tignale. However, the local council at the time chose to suspend the application process, possibly because no one felt like dedicating a large stretch of land, typically rented out to poor farming families for growing corn and forage, to an elitist sport.
Torbole-Nago is also considering the idea of an 18-hole course at Dain, accessible after the initial switchbacks on the road up Mount Baldo. Besides Arco, Torbole is more easily reached from Germany.