Italy is increasingly becoming a destination for golf lovers, crowned in 2023 with the Ryder Cup. The country offers a combination of a favorite sport with a trip to stunning surroundings. With more than 400 facilities, 150 golf courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations. We have selected the most scenic greens, perfect for a top golf vacation.
Renovated specifically for the 2023 Ryder cup: Marco Simone Golf & Country Club
The organizer of the 2023 Ryder Cup ranks now in the top 10 golf courses, while it never made the European Top 100 before. It was the prerequisite to win hosting the biennial event.
The original design was by Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane and the Italian Open was held here in 1994, but to become Italy's first Ryder Cup venue, Marco Simone had to completely renovate the course. The terrain is hilly (which will make it a good spectator viewing course), although in terms of natural beauty it will never match Verdura or Castelfalfi, but there is a pleasant tranquility, given that it is only 30 minutes from Rome. The greens are difficult - perhaps too demanding for the average player - but it is difficult to design greens to suit the needs of the Ryder Cup and 24-handicap players. The course is a great place to play.
Recommended accommodation:
Kolbe Hotel Rome, Via Di San Teodoro 48, 00186 Rome, Italy - Reservations & RatesThe Wine Golf Courses: The Franciacorta Golf Club
Located in Corte Franca, heart of Franciacorta, land of sparkling wines, immersed in eight acres of greenery among forests, lakes and views of vineyards: the Franciacorta Golf Club, founded in 1927, has a strong connection with wine: the club's three golf courses bear the name of the three different types of Franciacorta wines ("Brut," "Satèn" and "Rosè"). In its gentle ups and downs, it offers a 27-hole course suitable for players of all levels.
- Technical data: golf course with 27 holes: 18 holes for the championship course ("brut", Par 37, length 3,072 meters, and "satén", Par 36, 3,071 meters) and 9 holes for the "rosè" course (PAR 34, 2,593 meters)
- Driving range, golf school, putting green, chipping green, golf cart and trolley rentals, tennis courts, swimming pools, wellness area, bistro, pro shop.
What to do and see in the area?
Make sure not to miss the Franciacorta Wine Route, among the villages, abbeys and vineyards, with a visit to one of the many wineries in the area; nature lovers cannot miss the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve and Lake Iseo with Monte Isola, the largest Italian lake island; just a few kilometers away from the cities of Brescia (25 km) and Bergamo (40 km).
Franciacorta Golf Club A.S.D, Via Provinciale, 34, B, 25040 Corte Franca BS - http://www.franciacortagolfclub.it/Recommended accommodation:
Romantik Hotel Relais Mirabella Iseo, Via Mirabella 34, 25049 Iseo, Italy - Reservations & RatesQC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort, Via Arzaga, 1, 25080 Calvagese della Riviera, Italy - Reservations & Rates - This hotel is a bit further, but it has its own golf course, while you will still be able to go to Franciacorta Golf ClubGolf courses in unspoiled nature: Golf des Iles Borromees
In a pristine natural setting, among ancient oak, chestnut and larch forests, in a sunny spot on the hills above Stresa, the Golf Des Iles Borromées offers panoramic views stretching from Lake Maggiore to the Simplon Alps and Switzerland. The 18-hole course winds through natural drops and obstacles at an altitude of 600 meters.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes (par 72, 6,122 meters).
- Driving range, putting green, trolley and bag rentals, pro shop, bar, restaurant.
What to do and see in the area?
Less than 10 km away is Stresa, a historic resort on Lake Maggiore with an elegant lakeside setting; from here you can set out to explore Verbania, Arona, Angera and Baveno; don't miss a ferry or motorboat ride around the amazing Borromean Islands, just in front of Stresa.
Golf Des Iles Borromees, Localita, Via Motta Rossa, 1, 28833 Brovello-carpugnino VB - http://www.golfdesilesborromees.it/Recommended accommodation:
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees & SPA, Corso Umberto I, 28838 Stresa, Italy - Reservations & RatesGolf courses overlooking the Mediterranean: Is Arenas Golf & Country Club
Designed by famous American architects Robert Von Hagge & Richard Baril, awarded international recognition and considered one of the most beautiful Italian golf courses, the Is Arenas Golf & Country Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses located in Sardinia, in a lush 700-acre pine forest in a resort overlooking the sea. The 18-hole golf course winds along a total length of 6,300 meters, among pine trees and junipers that slightly degrade toward the beach, one of the most charming in the Oristano area.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes par 72, length 6,300 meters + executive course with 3 holes par 9, length 600 meters.
- Driving range, pitching green, putting green, golf school, golf cart, manual and electric trolley rental, swimming pool, pro shop, restaurant, bar, accommodation, beach club.
What to do and see in the area around the golf courses?
Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia (including Is Arenas, Is Arutas, Maimoni, Putzu Idu and S'Archittu), the Archaeological Museum in Cabras (20 km), Oristano (20 km) and the Phoenician-Punic archaeological site of Tharros (30 km).
Is Arenas golf & Country club, Localita' Is Arenas, Narbolia, Or 09070, 09070 Narbolia OR - http://www.isarenas.it/Recommended accommodation:
Is Arenas Resort, Loc. Pineta di Is Arenas SS 292 km 113,4, 09070 Narbolia, Italy - Reservations & RatesGolf courses on the Mediterranean: Verdura Resort
The Verdura Resort is among the best European golf courses and is located in Sciacca, Sicily, housed in a luxury resort with private beach with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the extraordinary beauty of the location, this golf club features two courses with high technical standards, flawless maintenance and high-quality turf, and thanks to its mild climate, is enjoyable all year round.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes from 72 to 6,686 meters; West course: 18 holes from 72 to 6,692 meters, Executive: 9 holes par 3, from 85 to 112 meters.
- Driving range, golf academy, practice bunker, putting green, pitching green, manual and electric trolley rentals, club rentals, golf cart, swimming pool, swing studio, pro shop, spa, bar and restaurants.
What to do and see in the area around the golf courses?
Less than 15 km away is Sciacca, known for its Roman baths and traditional ceramics, full of churches, cultural opportunities and beautiful beaches (such as the beach of Capo San Marco), and Ribera, the city of the Oranges, with architectural beauties, the archaeological site of the Anguilla necropolis and the beautiful natural reserve of the mouth of the river Platani.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, S.S. 115, Km 131, 92019 Sciacca AG - https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/ - Hotel reservations click hereGolfing on a gentle plateau and mountain views: Asiago Golf Clu
Considered one of the most beautiful mountain golf courses in Italy, Asiago Golf Club is peculiar in that it is enchanting with its extraordinary Alpine scenery, but being a plateau, it has a course without too much elevation change. The course, with 18 holes, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, the golf course has a charming hotel with a restaurant attached.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, length 6,067 meters.
- Putting green, golf academy, rental of manual and electric trolleys, rental of golf bags and clubs, golf cart, restaurant, pro shop, hotel.
What to do and see in the area around the golf courses?
The Plateau of Asiago, known as "Plateau of the Seven Districts," is the perfect place to practice trekking and mountain biking thanks to the many routes available; nearby there is an interesting Museum of the Great War.
Asiago Golf Club, Via Meltar, 2, 36012 Asiago VI - http://www.golfasiago.it/Recommended accommodation:
Meltar Boutique Hotel, Via Meltar 2, 36012 Asiago, Italy - Reservations & RatesGolf courses in the mild Emilian hills: Salsomaggiore Golf & Terme
The Salsomaggiore Golf & Terme is located in a quiet valley among the hills surrounding the town of Salsomaggiore Terme, a famous resort for thermal tourism. The 18-hole course meanders between undulating fairways and fast greens, courses suitable for golfers of all levels, and sensational views of the Emilian countryside. To fully enjoy the tranquility of this place, the clubhouse also has access to a pool, solarium and restaurant.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, par 72, length 5,761 meters.
- Driving range with 15 stations (5 covered), pitching green, putting green, golf cart, club rental, electric and manual trolleys, pro shop, swimming pool, bar, solarium, restaurant.
What to do and see in the area?
In addition to some relaxation at the thermal baths of Salsomaggiore and Tabiano, from here you can visit the Land of Verdi at his birthplace-museum in Busseto, the city of Parma with its Teatro Regio, the medieval forts and castles in the area (Soragna, Fontanellato, Colorno, Torrechiara) or go shopping at the Fidenza Village Outlet.
Salsomaggiore Golf & Terme, 105A Localita' Casa Carancini, 43039 Salsomaggiore Terme PR - http://www.salsogolf.it/Recommended accommodation:
Grand Hotel Salsomaggiore, Largo Roma 4, 43039 Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy - Reservations & RatesGolf courses of ancient times: Circolo del Golf di Roma Aquasanta
The Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta is known as the one of the oldest golf courses in Italy (founded in 1903) and is located in on Via Appia Antica, at the gateway to the city of Rome. The golf course is crossed by a Roman aqueduct (the Claudio Aqueduct) and is close to the tomb of Cecilia Metella. From the green, the view extends to the horizon all the way to St. Peter's dome. It is one of the most exclusive clubs and has entertained many royals over the years.
Designed and built by the Marquis of Vanni, Arthur Flach, RC Young and Hector De Castro, Golf Roma Acquasanta is one of the finest golf courses in Italy. 18 holes of considerable difficulty due to its continuous ups and downs, it enjoys breathtaking scenery with the ruins of the thermal baths of Acquasanta.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes - 71 par, length 5,854 meters.
- Driving range, putting green, golf cart, manual or electric trolleys, bag rental, restaurant, swimming pool, gym, billiards room.
What to do and see in the area?
A golf vacation here is the ideal opportunity to discover the wonders of Rome (less than 10 km away), as well as the hills and the Castelli Romani area, with historic villages and tasty dishes of the local cuisine.
Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta, Via Appia Nuova, 716/A, 00178 Roma RM - http://www.golfroma.it/Recommended accommodation:
Kolbe Hotel Rome, Via Di San Teodoro 48, 00186 Rome, Italy - Reservations & RatesView the sea from every hole: San Domenico Golf Club
In Savelletri, bordered by the Adriatic Sea and ancient olive groves, lies the San Domenico Golf Club, a charming 18-hole golf course wrapped in Mediterranean vegetation, adjacent to the ancient town of Egnathia, dating back to Roman times. Built to the highest technical standards of modern golf courses, it features wide greens and slopes suitable for exciting challenges.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, par 72, meter 6,361, CR men 72.1/wm 71.1, SLOPE men 132/wm 128.
- Driving range, pitching green, putting green, golf school, practice bunker, golf cart, manual and electric trolley rentals, bar, restaurant.
What to do and see in the area?
The golf club is close to Fasano, with its historic center of whitewashed houses and beautiful beaches, the Egnazia Archaeological Park, the thermal baths of Torre Canne and Itria Valley, with renowned destinations like Alberobello and Ostuni.
San Domenico Golf Club, Strada Comunale Egnazia, 72015 Savelletri BR - http://sandomenicogolf.comRecommended accommodation:
Masseria Torre Coccaro, Contrada Coccaro 8, 72015 Savelletri di Fasano, Italy - Reservations & RatesGolf courses on castle grounds: Golf & Country Club Castello di Spessa
In the beautiful setting of the vineyards of the Collio, in the hills of Gorizia, in the shadow of a castle with a history of nearly eight centuries, you will find the Golf & Country Club Castello di Spessa. The 18-hole golf course opens onto three different landscapes, with different fairways immersed in lush, seductive vegetation, among vineyards, olive groves, fountains and ponds.
- Technical data: course with 18 holes, par 71, length 5,460 m, men: CR 69.4 - SR 133, ladies: CR 72.6 - SR 127.
- Pitching green, putting green, practice bunker, golf academy, resort, bar, restaurant, wine store and winery.
What to do and see in the area?
The castle offers guided tours and wine tastings; it is also a good starting point for interesting cycling routes in the Collio area and toward nearby Slovenia.
Golf & Country Club Castello di Spessa, Via Spessa, 14, 34070 Capriva del Friuli GO - https://www.castellodispessa.it/golf/Recommended accommodation:
Castello Di Spessa - Period residences, Via Spessa 1, 34070 Capriva del Friuli, Italy - Reservations & RatesWrapped in beauty between land and sea: Conero Golf Club
The Conero Golf Club is located in the Conero Park, wrapped in the beauty of the Marche countryside, among broom, oak and cherry trees. The golf course, with 18 holes, winds on a rough, varied terrain, with an extension of 6,000 yards, offering an exciting challenge for any golfer, with a short course suitable for beginners and children. The quality and hospitality are of a high standard, for a vacation of golf and relaxation.
- Technical data: championship course with 18 holes, par 71 + executive course with 5 holes, par 17, 6,000 meters.
- Golf school, manual and electric trolleys, pro shop, tennis courts, bar, restaurant, swimming pool.
What to do and see in the area?
The Conero area encloses suggestive beaches, some of the most beautiful in the Adriatic (such as Le Due Sorelle, La Vela or the beach of Mezzavalle) and is close to art towns and medieval villages, such as Sirolo, Loreto, Osimo and Numan.
Conero Golf Club, Via Betellico, 6, 60020 Coppo AN - http://www.conerogolfclub.it/Recommended accommodation:
Seebay Hotel, Via Poggio 166, Portonovo, 60129 Ancona, Italy - Reservations & RatesMeeting between golf and nature: Circolo Golf & Tennis Rapallo
Circolo Golf & Tennis Rapallo is located in Rapallo, on the Western Riviera in Liguria, in a natural park rich in vegetation that earned an environmental award for the care and beauty of the golf course (lovers of flowers and plants will not be disappointed). The most sensational view is that of the ancient monastery of Valle Christi, which can be enjoyed from hole 7.
- Technical data: golf course with 18 holes - Par 70, pro men's length: 5,664 m, pro ladies' length: 4,998 m, men: CR 71.1 SR 124, ladies: CR 73 SR 128.
- Putting green, manual and electric trolley rentals, bag rentals, golf school, tennis courts, restaurant.
What to do and see in the area?
From Rapallo, a well-known seaside resort, you can walk along the "Passeggiata dei baci," an 8-km-long promenade along one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in Liguria that leads to Portofino; the area is also rich in churches and monasteries, small historic villages and beautiful beaches.
Circolo Golf & Tennis Rapallo, Via, Corso Goffredo Mameli, 377, 16035 Rapallo GE - http://golfetennisrapallo.it/Recommended accommodation:
Grand Hotel Miramare, Via Milite Ignoto 30, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy - Reservations & RatesA green on the slopes of the castle: Antognolla Golf
Located north of Perugia, on the slopes of the seductive castle of Antognolla, a medieval mansion from the twelfth century, perfectly preserved, which imposingly dominates the entire green: it is the Antognolla Golf, a golf club with an 18-hole course that is among the most beautiful in Italy, housed in an exclusive resort with vacation villas. The course is varied and interesting, full of exciting technical complexities.
- Technical data: 18 holes - Par 71, length: men's white tee: 6,112 m / CR 73.1 - SR 132 (championship), men's yellow tee: 5,791 m / CR 71.5 - SR 128, women's blue tee: 5,905 m / CR 75.8 - SR 128 (championship), women's red tee: 4,999 m / CR 73.3 - SR 123.
- Putting green, golf cart, manual and electric trolley rental, pro shop, driving range, resort, spa, restaurant.
What to do and see in the area?
In a strategic location in the heart of Umbria, from the golf club it takes only half an hour to reach some of the region's most famous attractions such as Perugia, Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Assisi (45 km).
Antognolla Golf, Str. S. Giovanni del Pantano, 06133 San Giovanni del Pantano PG - http://www.antognollagolf.com/