Italy is a golfer’s paradise, where world-class courses meet centuries of history, breathtaking landscapes, and legendary cuisine. Whether you’re playing in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the stunning lakes of Lombardy, or the Mediterranean coastline, Italy offers endless experiences between rounds. Here’s what to do near some of the best golf courses in the country.
Where to Golf: Royal Golf La Bagnaia or Castiglion del Bosco Golf Club
Golfing in Tuscany is like stepping into a Renaissance painting, with courses set among vineyards, medieval villages, and rolling hills. La Bagnaia is a stunning course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., while Castiglion del Bosco is a private course inside a luxurious estate owned by the Ferragamo family.
Other must-do’s:
Anecdote: The 16th-century Medici family, who once ruled Tuscany, would host lavish banquets that lasted for days. Today, visitors can enjoy a taste of that extravagant history through Tuscany’s fine wines and decadent meals.
Where to Golf: Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club or Circolo Golf Villa d’Este
If you love mountain landscapes, Lombardy’s golf courses offer stunning views of the Alps and pristine lakes. Villa d’Este is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, while Menaggio is a hidden gem that feels like playing in a postcard.
Other must-do’s:
Anecdote: Menaggio Golf Club has a rare and prestigious golf library on-site, filled with century-old books on golf’s history and strategy, making it a mecca for golf history buffs.
Where to Golf: Marco Simone Golf & Country Club or Olgiata Golf Club
Rome isn’t just home to gladiators—it’s also a fantastic golf destination. Marco Simone is the host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, while Olgiata has a long history of championship play. When you’re not golfing, you’re surrounded by some of the most historic landmarks in the world.
Other must-do’s:
Anecdote: During the Renaissance, Rome’s elite would settle disputes over golf-like games played in the city’s piazzas. Today, golf has its own place in the Eternal City, with courses as grand as its ancient history.
Where to Golf: Pevero Golf Club or Verdura Golf Resort
For a coastal golf getaway, Sardinia and Sicily offer some of the most scenic fairways in Europe. Pevero Golf Club overlooks the turquoise waters of Costa Smeralda, while Verdura Resort is a luxurious golf retreat with 36 holes of oceanfront perfection.
Other must-do’s:
Anecdote: Sicily’s Verdura Resort was once an orange grove before being transformed into a championship golf course. Some trees were left intentionally, meaning you might have to take a shot from under an orange tree!
Italy isn’t just a country—it’s an experience. Whether you’re golfing in the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, teeing off on an island paradise, or playing near ancient Roman ruins, there’s always something extraordinary to do between rounds.
So grab your clubs, indulge in the finest Italian cuisine, and prepare for a golf trip filled with history, scenery, and unforgettable moments!
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