Golf in South Corsica Sperone and Lezza

There are golf courses that transcend the sport to become an aesthetic experience in their own right. In South Corsica, two of them offer golfers the rare privilege of playing in a setting of breathtaking beauty. The Sperone golf course, perched on the cliffs of Bonifacio facing the Lavezzi Islands, and the Lezza golf course, nestled in Mediterranean greenery not far from Porto-Vecchio. Two atmospheres, two philosophies, but the same sense of wonder.

From Villa Azaitu, both courses are accessible in under an hour's drive, making our villa an ideal base camp for golfers who wish to combine sport with the Mediterranean art of living. Here is our guide to making the most of these two jewels of Corsican golf.

Two courses, two atmospheres

Golf in South Corsica is not like golf anywhere else. Here, every swing is made with the Mediterranean as a backdrop, every green is bordered by fragrant maquis, and every course tells the story of a landscape shaped by wind, sea and sun. The two courses in the region offer radically different yet complementary experiences.

Sperone is the spectacular golf course, the one that takes your breath away at every hole. Regularly ranked among the most beautiful courses in Europe, it offers panoramas that defy the imagination. Lezza is the intimate course, technical and verdant, where concentration blends with the serenity of a preserved Mediterranean setting. Seasoned golfers play both during their stay, alternating between the grand spectacle and the subtle pleasure.

Both courses are open all year round, but the best season for golf in South Corsica runs from April to June and from September to November. Temperatures are ideal, the light magnificent, and the courses less crowded than in midsummer. Our concierge service handles your bookings and can even arrange the transport of your clubs from the airport.

Sperone: between sky and sea

Sperone golf course is a legend. Created in 1990 by American architect Robert Trent Jones, this 18-hole, par-72 course is built on a promontory overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio. Every fairway offers a different panorama: white cliffs, cobalt sea, the Lavezzi Islands on the horizon and, on a clear day, the silhouette of Sardinia in the distance.

The signature holes are legendary. The 12th, a par 3 requiring a drive over a cove, with the sea below and the wind swirling. The 16th, a par 4 where the fairway runs along the cliffs with a plunging view over the infinite blue. The 17th, another par 3 facing the sea, where the pressure of the scenery makes every shot memorable. These are not simply golf holes; they are living paintings that golfers from around the world dream of playing.

The course is demanding. The wind, near-constant on this exposed promontory, adds a strategic dimension to every shot. The greens, well defended by bunkers and water hazards, demand precision and concentration. But even on days when the scorecard fails to match expectations, the beauty of the setting consoles for every bogey. The elegant and welcoming clubhouse offers a terrace where one can savour lunch facing the sea after the round.

Lezza: technique and greenery

Lezza golf course offers a striking contrast with Sperone. Located in the hinterland of Porto-Vecchio, twenty minutes from the villa, this 18-hole course is nestled in a setting of Mediterranean greenery. Pines, cork oaks and maquis border the fairways, creating an atmosphere of serenity and freshness that contrasts with the windswept exposure of Sperone.

The course, designed by Italian architect Piero Mancinelli, is more technical than spectacular. The narrow fairways, winding between trees, demand remarkable placement precision. The greens, often sloping and protected by vegetation, reward thoughtful play rather than raw power. It is a course that appeals to purists, those who enjoy thinking through each shot and who appreciate the subtlety of a well-considered design.

The atmosphere at Lezza is more relaxed than at Sperone. The club is welcoming, the fees more accessible, and the pace of play more tranquil. It is the ideal place for a round with family or friends, without the pressure of prestige courses. The driving range and golf school are also excellent for beginners wishing to learn in an enchanting setting.

Practical information: green fees, booking and best season

At Sperone, green fees vary by season. Expect around 120 to 160 euros in high season for an 18-hole round, with reduced rates in low season and for advance bookings. Reservation is essential in July and August, and strongly recommended for the rest of the season. The course is accessible to players with a handicap card.

At Lezza, rates are gentler, in the region of 70 to 90 euros for 18 holes. Booking is recommended in high season but generally less restrictive than at Sperone. The club also offers individual and group lesson packages, as well as equipment hire for those travelling light.

The best season for golf in South Corsica is spring and autumn. In April and May, the courses are lush, temperatures hover between 18 and 25 degrees, and the light is of photographic quality. In September and October, the Corsican Indian summer offers similar conditions with, as a bonus, a sea still warm enough for swimming after the round. In summer, early morning tee times are preferred to avoid the afternoon heat.

After golf: back to the villa

One of the great pleasures of golf in South Corsica is what comes afterwards. Leaving the green and finding yourself, forty minutes later, in the absolute calm of Villa Azaitu. Setting down your clubs, slipping into swimming trunks and diving into the infinity pool facing the sea. Feeling the pleasant fatigue of muscles dissolve in the cool water, with the Cerbicales Islands and the infinite blue of the Mediterranean as your backdrop.

The aperitif on the terrace, a glass of Corsican rose in hand, is the ideal moment to discuss the day's shots. The improbable birdies, the putts missed by inches, that miraculous drive on Sperone's 12th with the crosswind. Golf nourishes conversation, and the villa offers the perfect setting to extend it.

For golfers wishing to complement their sporting stay, our concierge service can arrange yoga or stretching sessions for recovery, open-air massages, or simply reserve the finest tables in Porto-Vecchio for a gastronomic dinner to round off a perfect day of sport, nature and the art of living.