A course cut into a coastal pine forest, but facing inland, so it cannot (and does not) call itself a seaside course. However, the sandy soil and scrubby vegetation commonly associated with coastal sites is certainly there. Alas, a Tom Simpson of Hardelot fame never made it to Southern Italy and Riva dei Tessali today does not realise the full potential of the largely glorious site.

The fairways are bumpy and it's tough to find decent landing zones, but all for the wrong reason. Challenging lies are not produced by the undulations of the site, but by the rather unkempt and rough fairways. The ground game is hampered a bit by that as well, but at least there is some.

As far as the hole designs go, anything routed through the pine forest is interesting and in parts quirky, whereas the more open holes in the middle of the round are somewhat mundane. There are also a number of lakes that look completely out of place and rob the course of some of its natural appeal. It's still worth a game, though, because the site is just irrepressible and ideal for golf.