Golf in Italy has a long tradition – the Italian golf federation was founded in 1927. Italy has many golf courses – currently there are 256 – but most of them are concentrated in the North. The climate and Italian cuisine complement the unique golfing experience.
The best season to golf in Italy is from May to October. July is the month with the least rain, but also with the highest temperatures. It gets busy with tourists in the summer, so spring and fall are probably the best times to visit. Here’s our guide to some of the top golf courses you may want to try.
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Circolo Golf Villa d’Este
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Lake Montorfano, the course at Circolo Golf Villa d’Este is not only beautiful, but also has the reputation of being one of the most demanding par-69 layouts in Italy.
Owned by the Hotel until the late ’70s, the Golf Villa d’Este is located 7 miles (12 kilometers) from the hotel, near the lake of Montorfano. Designed in 1926 by architect Peter Gannon, it is located at a height of about 400 meters, surrounded by chestnut, birch and pine woods, in a scenario reminiscent of Scotland. The 18-hole course is considered one of the most challenging and difficult “par 69” in Europe. Every year it hosts many international competitions. The Club House offers a lovely view of the lake.
Recent improvements have made a huge difference to the original Peter Gannon design. The fairways are lined uniformly by ash, pine and chestnut trees, making accurate driving the most crucial determinant in scoring well.
Measuring 6,331 yards from the championship tees, Circolo is by no means long, but the narrow fairways demand high quality golf. Even if the bordering woodland catches you out, the spectacular scenery is sure to provide an extremely enjoyable round during a golf holiday around Lake Como.
Open from March to December, every day except Tuesdays.
https://www.villadeste.com/en/sport/golf-club-villa-d-este/
Golf Club Biella
Built in the late ‘50s, the course of Biella Golf Club “Le Betulle” (The Birches) is set in the charming countryside along the slopes of the Serra moraine, just a few kilometres from Biella and Ivrea. Biella is consistently ranked as Italy’s number one course, predominantly for two reasons: the extraordinary natural landscape, and the skillful manipulation of this land by English designer John Morrison, together resulting in a remarkable golfing experience.
Morrison’s creation was inaugurated in 1958, gaining immediate fame. The terrain is heavily wooded, and traverses great undulations, humps and hollows. Streams and ponds are entwined with rocky outcrops and the constant banks of trees to produce a stern examination, but one that is as beautiful as it is challenging.
The signature 16th hole encapsulates the essence of Biella; the high ground is the starting point for an exquisite hole, but also provides amazing views of the Alpine foothills and the magnificent woodland of the Piedmont landscape.
Open every day from April 1st till the end of November.
https://golfclubbiella.com/en/
Marco Simone Golf Club
Marco Simone Golf Club is located just 30 minutes northeast of Rome and boasts 27 glorious golf holes. The headline set of 18 holes at the club is the Ryder Cup Course and in 2023 it is set to become only the 3rd course on continental Europe to host arguably golf’s biggest tournament; the Ryder Cup.
The fact it is due to host the Ryder Cup is testament to how good the course is and proves it really is a gem in Italy’s golfing crown. Throughout the round golfers are treated to unrivalled views of the stunning natural landscape with the course being one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the region with beautiful lakes and the Marco Simone Castle being the backdrop to some of the holes.
As well as the Ryder Cup Course, Marco Simone Golf Club also has a stunning 9 hole set up called the Resort Course and is often played back to back to make 18. Set in the same 110 hectares as the more well known Ryder Cup Course guests are still treated to same magnificent views of the undulating Roman landscape that is a feature of the headline course.
Royal Park I Roveri
Royal Park I Roveri is set in the stunning La Mandria Park and features incredible views of the Alps in the background. At just 15km from the Turin centre and 10km from Turin Airport, travelling to and from the golf club is as stress free as possible.
Royal Park I Roveri is one of the most prestigious clubs in Italy, scene of several international events including the Italian Open and the European Amateur Championship. The golf course offers members, their guests and tourists a unique opportunity to play on two courses designed by world-famous architects.
The course is characterised by elegantly designed bunkers, strategically placed water hazards as well as undulating greens to create varying challenging pin positions.
All the way around the course, golfers will notice stunning flora and fauna displays as well as beautiful views of the Alps, to make this one of the most picturesque courses in Europe.
Acquasanta Golf Club Rome
Widely known as the oldest golf course in the country, Acquasanta is also one of Italy’s finest, boasting a stunning parkland layout, less than 5 miles from Rome’s greatest attractions. Since official establishment in 1903, the course has retained its history and authenticity and still proves challenging to golfers of all levels. While not the longest, Acquasanta is a course in pristine condition and requires intelligent course management, especially on narrow fairways bordered by pine trees, cypresses and eucalyptus.
Widely known as the oldest golf course in the country, Acquasanta is also one of Italy’s finest, boasting a stunning parkland layout, less than 5 miles from Rome’s greatest attractions. Since official establishment in 1903, the course has retained its history and authenticity and still proves challenging to golfers of all levels. While not the longest, Acquasanta is a course in pristine condition and requires intelligent course management, especially on narrow fairways bordered by pine trees, cypresses and eucalyptus.
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