Location: Sperone, Bonifacio, Corsica, France | Ranking: #28 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Clifftop Links-style | Partner Stay: Hôtel Genovese; Domaine de Murtoli
Editor’s Note: Robert Trent Jones Sr. surveyed the southern tip of Corsica in 1989 and declared the land “the most spectacular I have ever seen for golf.” He was not exaggerating. Seven holes play directly along or above Mediterranean cliffs at the Strait of Bonifacio — with Sardinia visible 12km across the turquoise water. The maquis scrubland, the limestone headlands and the extraordinary light of the Corsican south combine to produce a round of golf that overwhelms the senses. The most visually dramatic course in France.
Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Sperone is 12km east of Bonifacio on Corsica’s southern tip. Figari Airport (FSC) — 20 mins. Fly from Nice (45 mins), Paris CDG (1h 35m) or London Gatwick via Paris (connecting).
- By Ferry: Regular ferries from Nice, Marseille and Toulon to Bonifacio (3–5h depending on route).
Contact & Booking
- Tel: +33 (0)4 95 73 17 13 | Website: sperone.net
- Green Fees: From €130 | Rating / Slope: 72.1 / 132 | Season: April–October
Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 35 |
| Yards | 480 | 358 | 174 | 370 | 476 | 142 | 392 | 389 | 198 | 2,979 |
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 348 | 480 | 380 | 155 | 362 | 395 | 182 | 504 | 392 | 3,198 | 6,427 |
Key Strategy Notes
- Holes 11–14 — The Clifftop Sequence: The heart of the course — four consecutive holes along the southern cliffs with Sardinia across the strait and the limestone outcrops of the Bouches de Bonifacio below. The wind here is unpredictable and often strong.
- The Maquis: The Corsican scrubland — a dense mix of cistus, rosemary, myrtle and arbutus — borders every hole. Anything into the maquis is essentially unplayable; the scent alone is worth the visit.
- Bonifacio Town: The medieval citadel perched on white limestone cliffs above the strait — one of the most dramatically situated towns in Europe. Walk the ramparts before dinner; the view from the promontory at sunset is extraordinary.
The 19th Hole
- Hôtel Genovese (Boutique 5★): Within the Bonifacio citadel walls — the most dramatically located hotel in Corsica. Book via Expedia →
- Domaine de Murtoli: 30 minutes north — Corsica’s most exclusive estate with private beach, farm-to-table cuisine and total seclusion. The finest accommodation on the island.
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