Italy is not typically known as a golf destination compared to countries like Scotland, the United States, or Spain. However, it does offer some excellent golf courses, many of which are located in picturesque regions. Hosting the Ryder Cup in 2023 has put Italy firmly on the map as a top golfing destination in Europe and a place to explore for golfers looking to try somewhere new.
We’ll showcase some of the best golf clubs to visit in Italy and explore some of the popular locations in Italy to play golf. For those planning a golf trip to Italy there’s plenty of inspiration to take onboard.
The Best Golf Courses in Italy
Villa d'Este Golf
Villa d’Este Golf Club, located in Montorfano, just a short drive from Como, it is one of the most prestigious and historic golf clubs in Italy, with scenic views of Lake Montorfano.
18 Holes: The course consists of 18 holes, offering a par 69 layout.
Length: The total length of the course is approximately 5,725 meters from the championship tees.
Natural Beauty: The course is set amidst the chestnut, pine, and birch forests, providing a scenic and tranquil environment. It is renowned for its natural beauty and picturesque setting.
Undulating Terrain: The course features gently rolling terrain with elevation changes that add to its challenge and visual appeal.
Narrow Fairways: The fairways are relatively narrow, demanding accuracy and precision from the tee.
Small Greens: The greens are smaller compared to modern standards, requiring precise approach shots and adept short game skills.
Strategic Hazards: The course includes well-placed bunkers and water hazards that come into play on several holes, enhancing its strategic complexity.
Golf Club Milano
Situated just outside Milan, Golf Club Milano is a historic club featuring 27 holes, divided into three 9-hole courses (Course 1, Course 2, and Course 3) that can be combined to create various 18-hole layouts.
Length: The main 18-hole combinations typically play to a par of 72
Flat to Gently Undulating Terrain: The course terrain is mostly flat to gently undulating, making it accessible while still presenting subtle challenges.
Narrow Fairways: The fairways are often narrow and lined with trees, demanding accurate tee shots and strategic play.
Well-Placed Hazards: Bunkers and water hazards are strategically placed throughout the course to challenge golfers and enhance the strategic elements of play.
Small to Medium Greens: The greens are generally small to medium-sized, requiring precise approach shots and good putting skills.
Challenging Yet Enjoyable: The combination of narrow fairways, strategic hazards, and well-maintained greens provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Bogogno Golf Resort
Another gem in northern Italy and close to Milan, Bogogno Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses, the Conte course and the Bonora course. The Bonora course is considered more demanding and has a more rugged layout. The Conte course, more accessible to casual golfers with its open fairways is set with panoramic views of the Alps.
Conte Course
Length: The Conte Course is approximately 6,535 meters from the championship tees.
Play: The Conte Course is designed to be more accessible and forgiving compared to the Bonora Course. It features wider fairways and fewer hazards.
Strategic Elements: While still challenging, the course emphasizes strategic shot placement with well-placed bunkers and some water hazards.
Terrain: The terrain is relatively gentle with fewer elevation changes, making it more straightforward for golfers.
Scenic Views: Offers beautiful panoramic views of the Alps and the surrounding landscape.
Overall Feel: Known for its enjoyable playability and aesthetic appeal, providing a pleasant and less intimidating round of golf.
Bonora Course
Length: The Bonora Course is slightly longer, measuring approximately 6,597 meters from the championship tees.
Play: The Bonora Course is generally considered more challenging due to its narrower fairways, more significant elevation changes, and a higher number of natural obstacles. Best suited for more experienced and skilled golfers who enjoy a challenging round with strategic complexity.
Strategic Elements: Requires precise shot placement and good course management, with many holes featuring dense forests, streams, and lakes.
Terrain: The course is set in a more rugged and natural landscape with significant elevation changes that add to the challenge.
Scenic Views: Provides a more immersive experience with dense woodland and water features, enhancing the natural beauty and sense of isolation.
Marco Simone Golf Club
Famously hosting the Ryder cup in 2023, Marco Simone Golf Club is located in Rome, offering a unique golfing experience with views of the city’s historic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City.
18 Holes: The championship course consists of 18 holes, each designed to offer a unique challenge with a variety of shot-making opportunities.
Length: The course is a par 72, stretching over approximately 6,645 meters from the championship tees.
Undulating Terrain: The course is set on hilly terrain, providing elevation changes that add to the challenge and visual appeal. These elevation changes offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including a distant view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Water Hazards: Several holes feature water hazards that come into play, adding strategic elements to the course.
Bunkers: Well-placed bunkers protect the fairways and greens, requiring precise shot placement.
Scenic Views: Players enjoy beautiful views of the Roman countryside, with the course’s elevation changes providing a variety of perspectives and challenging lies.
Strategic Play: The course design emphasises strategic play, with risk-reward options that challenge both professional and amateur golfers.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
Situated on the island of Sicily, Verdura Golf is a luxury resort featuring two 18-hole championship courses, the West and East course, as well as a 9-hole par 4 course. The courses offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and Sicilian countryside.
East Course
Layout: The East Course offers a challenging layout with a par of 72. It features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards.
Length: Approximately 6,604 meters from the championship tees.
Scenic Features: This course provides stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly from the closing holes. The holes are designed to take advantage of the natural landscape, with several running along the coastline.
Playability: The East Course is known for its difficulty, requiring precise shot-making and strategic planning. The coastal winds can also add an extra layer of challenge.
West Course
Layout: The West Course, also a par 72, offers a slightly different challenge with a layout that emphasizes the natural contours of the land.
Length: Approximately 6,836 meters from the championship tees, making it slightly longer than the East Course.
Scenic Features: Like the East Course, the West Course offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, with several holes situated along the coastline. The design incorporates the natural landscape, including olive and orange groves.
Playability: The West Course is known for its wide fairways and large greens, but it also features numerous bunkers and water hazards that require careful navigation.
Pevero Golf Club
For golf courses in Sardinia, Pevero Golf is known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout. It has hosted several international tournaments and is considered one of the top courses in Italy.
Length: The 18-hole course plays to a par of 72 and stretches over approximately 6,107 meters (from the championship tees.
Natural Terrain: The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, featuring rolling hills, granite rocks, and dense Mediterranean vegetation.
Challenging Play: The course is known for its challenging design, with numerous elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that come into play on several holes.
Undulating Fairways: The fairways are undulating, often requiring precision and strategic shot placement to navigate successfully. Many of the fairways are narrow, and the greens are relatively small, demanding accurate approach shots and excellent short-game skills.
Where to play golf in Italy?
While Italy may not be as renowned for golfing as some other countries, it still offers several popular golf destinations, especially in regions known for their natural beauty and culture and heritage.
Golf Courses in Tuscany
Tuscany is not only celebrated for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns but also for its top-notch golf courses. Golfers visiting Tuscany can tee off in picturesque settings surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees, all while enjoying the region’s renowned cuisine and wine.
Its renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and excellent cuisine. While it may not have as many golf courses as some other regions, it still offers several high-quality options for golf enthusiasts.
Located in the Mugello Valley, near Florence, this course is set within a natural reserve, nestled among the Mugello hills and protected by the Apennines. It features an 18-hole, par 73, 6,468-meter championship fairway built to USGA standards. The club has hosted international tournaments, including the Ladies Italian Open, Alps Tour, and European Challenge Tour.
Golf Courses in Sicily
Sicily, Italy’s largest island, has emerged as a golf destination in recent years, offering golfers the chance to play in luxurious resorts with views of the Mediterranean Sea. With its mild climate, diverse landscapes, and historical attractions, Sicily provides a unique golfing experience.
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is not only known for its rich history, stunning coastline, and delicious cuisine but also offers some excellent golfing opportunities.
Il Picciolo Etna Golf Resort & Spa
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, Il Picciolo offers a unique golfing experience with stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding countryside. The 18-hole course meanders through hazelnut trees, broom, daisies, and volcanic rock, offering a constantly shifting landscape.
Golf Courses in Rome
The Italian capital, Rome, and its surrounding region of Lazio offer several golf courses where golfers can combine sightseeing with golfing. Playing golf in Rome and the surrounding area allows visitors to explore ancient ruins, Renaissance architecture, and beautiful countryside landscapes.
Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta
Founded in 1903, it is Italy’s oldest golf club. Located along the Appian Way in Rome, it originally had 9 holes and expanded to 18 holes in 1913. The course offers views of the surrounding countryside amidst the backdrop of antiquity, just 3 miles from the Colosseum.
Located about 10 kilometres southwest of central Rome, the club is adjacent to the historic Castello dei Papi (Castle of the Popes), where Pope Leo X once lived. The 27-Hole course is divided into 3: the White, Blue and Red course, each offering technical bunkers and water obstacles for a challenging round.
Marco Simone hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup, making it the first time Italy welcomed this prestigious golf event. With vistas over the Eternal City and St. Peter’s Basilica’s dome, the 18-hole championship course offers a captivating setting for golfers.
Get Golf Insurance with SportsCover Direct
Inspired to take on some of the best golf courses that Italy has to offer? Be sure to take out comprehensive insurance cover before you go! Without it, you could be left substantially out of pocket if your travel plans are disrupted; if your clubs or luggage get lost, stolen or damaged; or if you or someone else suffers an accidental injury while you’re playing.
At Sports Cover Direct, we’ve been insuring golfers just like you for more than 25 years, so that you can enjoy your rounds with confidence that you’re covered if things go wrong. Whether you’re playing in Italy or further afield, our affordable policies are a small price to pay for peace of mind.
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This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.