We sat down with Federico Grasso, the visionary behind one of Sardinia’s most picturesque and dynamic golf resorts. Nestled in the breathtaking coastal community, Federico shares the rich history of Golf Club Puntaldia—founded by his grandfather over four decades ago—and how it has grown into a world-class destination that blends luxury, family-friendly activities, and an authentic connection to nature.
From the resort’s stunning nine-hole golf course overlooking the Sardinian sea to the recent partnership with the prestigious GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy, Federico reveals how he is transforming Puntaldia into a five-star hub for golf education, junior programming, and unforgettable guest experiences.
Question: Federico, can you tell us about your resort and its history?
Answer: My family built this resort about 40 to 50 years ago. It includes 800 homes, a marina, tennis courts, paddle courts, a golf course, a driving range, and a 5-star resort. The main square, “Piazzetta,” houses all the shops and restaurants. We have a beautiful 5-kilometer long white sand beach, La Cinta, which starts at the golf course and extends down to the nearby town of San Teodoro. The resort becomes quite popular during the summer, with many visitors from Italy and around the world. The golf course is challenging, a 9-hole that offers breathtaking views of the sea. It’s probably the most scenic course in Italy, and we have worked hard on its maintenance and development.
Q: What makes the Puntaldia golf experience unique?
A: One of the things that sets our golf course apart is its location. Most holes are on cliffs, and from every point, you can see the sea. You also experience the sounds and smells of the Sardinian water. We refurbished our driving range this year, and we’re focusing heavily on kids’ instruction. We’re also adding new facilities, including a 6×6 meter shed for our GOLFZON Leadbetter certified Academy.
Q: Can you tell us more about your plans for junior golf and other offerings at the Academy?
A: We are planning to focus a lot on kids’ instruction, which will be a big part of the Academy. We have a new instructor, Marco Giraudo, who speaks four languages and is passionate about working with kids. We’re also launching a kids’ playground dedicated to golf activities. This space will be 80 square meters, providing a place where children can play and learn. We are excited about the direction we’re taking with the Academy, and we plan to host night classes from 8:00PM to 10:00 PM starting this year. We aim to provide a fun, family-friendly environment where families can bond over golf and other activities.
Q: What made you decide to partner with the Leadbetter Academy for your golf program?
A: When I first started playing golf, David Leadbetter was the name that came to mind when you thought of a golf coach. I was introduced to the Leadbetter Academy by Marcello Santi, who has a close relationship with David. I was impressed by the Academy’s supportive, helpful environment. It’s not just a brand, but a place where instructors go through a thorough training process. The Academy’s philosophy really resonated with me, and I saw it as the perfect fit to take our golf program to a 5-star level.
Q: How do you envision the Academy helping you bring new players to golf, and what role will it play in your long-term goals for the resort?
A: This is the first time we’ve had ownership of the Academy, and we plan to reinvest the revenue from it into marketing and development. Our goal is to bring new people into the sport, both locals and international visitors. I’ve always loved golf, and this is not just business for me—it’s about building a community and sharing the sport with others. We have a lot of ideas in mind, and it’s going to take time, but we’re excited about where this is heading.
Q: How do you see the future of Puntaldia, especially with the changes and upgrades happening at the resort?
A: We are constantly investing in our facilities in order to maintain very high standards. While parts of Sardinia are known for their glamour and exclusivity, Puntaldia offers something different—quiet luxury. It’s a more relaxed and family-oriented place, and that’s exactly how we built it. We have high-net-worth individuals who love the privacy and tranquility we offer, and we’ve maintained a family atmosphere while still attracting important people.
Q: Could you share a little more about your personal connection to the golf course and how golf became such a significant part of your life?
A: I started playing golf when I was 12, thanks to my grandmother. Since then, I’ve been hooked. Golf was something I shared with my grandparents, and now I continue that legacy. I run a memorial tournament for both of my grandparents, celebrating their love for the sport and for Puntaldia. My grandfather passed away 10 years ago, and I stepped into the leadership role here at the resort. I’m proud to carry on their vision.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A:I just want to emphasize that Puntaldia is a family-friendly place where people can relax and make lasting memories. We’ve created a community that values quality time with family and friends, and we’re excited to share that experience with golf enthusiasts from around the world. Our goal is to offer something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, nature, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Learn more about Golf Club Puntaldia at https://golfclubpuntaldia.it/ and by following them on Facebook and Instagram.