A Privileged Place To Work, Rest And Play
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Happy to be located deep within one of Italy’s most reputable wine regions, Pietro Binaghi has moved out of the city and found a dream job that nurtures his love of the countryside and passion for golf.
Tuscan masterpiece
Pietro Binaghi considers himself lucky to be able to enjoy his work – and his passion for golf – in such beautiful, natural surroundings. There can’t be many golfing resorts set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for those lucky enough to walk on the hallowed turf at Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany, there is a realisation that you are on a special course for the privileged few.
Europe’s finest wine and golf experience
Situated some 70 kilometres south of Siena in the Brunello winemaking region, Castiglion del Bosco is a beautiful 800-year-old estate complete with castle ruins, a medieval church and one of the finest private golf courses in Europe. Designed by the legendary winner of the British Open, Tom Weiskopf, the prestigious course – set among rolling rural hills and vineyards – offers an unparalleled playing experience within a fabulous natural setting of great beauty.
“I’m so proud to work in this environment… a fantastic course that respects the beauty and undulation of the natural terrain without disrupting the lie of the land.”
A breath of fresh air
For Head Greenkeeper Pietro Binaghi, the joy of working in such a tranquil setting cannot be underestimated, especially after 26 years of living in a city. Having originally studied agriculture, the calling of the picturesque Tuscan hills beckoned him to ‘breathe’ again. And as an avid golfer, the opportunity to work at Castiglion del Bosco was just too irresistible.
“My job unites two of the main passions in my life: I studied agriculture; and I love golf… so it’s like doing both things at the same time.”
The highest standards
Every day is different and offers new challenges for Pietro and his team. However, one thing remains constant: the quality of the equipment at their disposal allows them to maintain the highest standards of course management. The reliability of the machinery is a given, and the precision and evolution of every model gives his team full confidence in pursuit of their daily tasks. For Pietro, the motto is simple – keep improving, with every passing day.
“I never have to think about the reliability or performance of the machines – they just work – and I’m very happy about that.”
Coming full circle
As a father of three, Pietro is glad to be raising his family under Tuscan skies. He hopes that they will also develop a passion for golf, even if he admits to preferring football as a child. His love of the game came later of course – and with it an appreciation for nature and walking in the great outdoors.
“I was definitely the ‘black sheep’ of the family – because I chose to play soccer – but now I spend more time on the golf course than all of my family put together!”
Mixing business with pleasure
Over the years, experience has taught Pietro that taking pride in your work and having good friends around you are key to job satisfaction and general happiness. He enjoys the company of most people, especially those with a passion for their work, an appreciation for quality and an ability to mix business with pleasure – on and off the golf course.
“What strikes me about John Deere is their deep understanding of the game, and what is needed to maintain a well-prepared course – and this gives me confidence in working with them.”
No regrets
When all is said and done, looking after this majestic course is more than just a job – it’s a vocation and a dream come true for Pietro. He has never looked back since swapping his old life in the city for the Tuscan splendour of Castiglion del Bosco. And who can blame him for aspiring to and achieving his perfect worklife balance?
