In Florence itself, you don't need a car. In fact it's a hindrance. I would advise them to spend a good amount of time in Tuscany. We stayed in a fantastic place called Certosa di Maggione (par of Relais & Chateau). It's outside the walls of Siena and it's a 12th century monestary now turned into a fantastic hotel with less than 20 rooms. They their own berry orchards, and vineyards along with pool and I think a tennis court. We stayed there for 8 nights and every day took a day trip to another Tuscan town.

I don't know about the golf, but your friend could take some cooking classes that are often offered in some of the Tuscan towns.

Candice NYC