Italy, known for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes, is not often the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about golf. However, the country has a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. Italy boasts some of the most remarkable golf courses in Europe, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the top golf courses in Italy, each offering its own distinct charm and challenge.
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1. Royal Park Roveri Golf Club – Trent Jones Course
Located in the breathtaking Alps, the Royal Park Roveri Golf Club – Trent Jones Course is considered the number one golf course in Italy. This parkland course has consistently ranked within the top three in the country since 1985. It has even hosted the European Tour’s Italian Open between 2009 and 2012. The standout hole is the 17th, which has been awarded the title of “Best Hole in Italy” by Gazzetta dello Sport. With its tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and challenging bunkers, this course guarantees a memorable round for every golfer.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 7,198 yards, Front tees: 5,981 yards
- Par: 72
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
- Founded: 1971
- Course type: Parkland/Woodland style
Book a golf holiday to Royal Park I Roveri
2. Biella Golf Club – Le Betulle
Ranked second on our list, Biella Golf Club, also known as Le Betulle, is nestled in the charming countryside alongside the slopes of the Serra Moraine. The course takes full advantage of the natural landscape, offering stunning views and challenging play. A young Rory McIlroy once won the European Amateur Championship here, setting a course record with a remarkable 65. With a par of 73 and measuring at 7,147 yards, this course presents a true test of skill for any golfer.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 7,146 yards, Front tees: 5,122 yards
- Par: 73
- Architect: John S. F. Morrison and Donald Harradine
- Founded: 1958
- Course type: Parkland
Book a golf holiday to Golf Club Biella – Le Betulle
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3. Circolo Golf Villa d’Este
Situated in Northern Italy, Circolo Golf Villa d’Este has been a host for the Italian Open and has seen legendary players like Jose Maria Olazabal and Henrik Stenson claim victory here. This parkland course winds its way through pine, ash, and chestnut trees, providing a picturesque backdrop and breathtaking views of Lake Montorfano. With a par of 69 and measuring at 6,267 yards, this course offers an unforgettable round of golf that will leave a lasting impression.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 6,267 yards, Front tees: 5,378 yards
- Par: 69
- Architect: James Peter Gannon, Graham Cooke, Luigi Rota Caremoli, and Franco Piras
- Founded: 1926
- Course type: Parkland
Book a golf holiday to Circolo Golf Villa d’Este
4. Verdura Golf Club – East Course
The Verdura Golf Club, located in Sicily, is home to the East Course, which hosted the 2012 Sicilian Open. This course is known for its undulating terrain, challenging undulated greens, and stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. With strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, the East Course demands accuracy and precision from golfers of all skill levels. It’s a true testament to the beauty of links-style golf.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 7,397 yards, Front tees: 5,398 yards
- Par: 73
- Architect: Kyle Phillips
- Founded: 2009
- Course type: Links style
Book a golf holiday to Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
5. Bogogno Golf Resort – Bonora Course
Situated in the Ticino natural park, the Bonora Course at Bogogno Golf Resort offers a pleasant yet challenging round of golf. With its untouched streams, woods, and strategically placed bunkers, this course requires careful course management to score well. Measuring at 7,095 yards and with a par of 72, the Bonora Course is a true testament to the beauty of parkland-style golf.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 7,095 yards, Front tees: 5,367 yards
- Par: 72
- Architect: Robert von Hagge
- Founded: 2000
- Course type: Parkland style
Book a golf holiday to Bogogno Golf Resort
6. Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., Royal Golf La Bagnaia offers 18-holes of pure emotion in the rolling hills of Siena, Tuscany. This inland links-style course features rough that waves in the wind and stunning lakes, providing golfers with a remarkable experience. With a par of 71 and measuring at 6,671 yards, this course offers a challenging yet captivating round of golf.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 6,671 yards, Front tees: 5,244 yards
- Par: 71
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Ty Butler
- Founded: 2011
- Course type: Links style
Book a golf holiday to La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort
7. Garda Golf & Country Club
Nestled deep within the Vatenesi Hills, Garda Golf & Country Club offers scenic views of Lake Garda. This course, home to the European Tour’s Italian Open, features varying nines with water hazards, olive trees, and strategically placed bunkers. With a par of 71 and measuring at 6,505 yards, Garda Golf & Country Club provides a picturesque and challenging golfing experience.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 6,505 yards, Front tees: 5,344 yards
- Par: 71
- Architect: Charles Kenneth Cotton, Frank Pennink, and Donald Steel
- Founded: 1986-1990
- Course type: Parkland style
Book a golf holiday to Garda Golf & Country Club
8. Is Arenas
Located on the West coast of Sardinia, Is Arenas offers golfers a challenging round of golf amidst untouched natural beauty. This 6,867-yard course features stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mediterranean Sea. With a variety of challenging holes and a strategic layout, Is Arenas is a must-play course for golf enthusiasts visiting Sardinia.
Course Facts:
- Length: Back tees: 6,867 yards, Front tees: Varies
- Par: Varies
- Architect: Unknown
- Founded: Unknown
- Course type: Parkland
Book a golf holiday to Is Arenas Golf Resort
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9. Marco Simone Gold and Country Club
Marco Simone Golf and Country Club (also known as Golf Marco Simone) is a golf course in Guidonia, Rome, Italy. It is 10 miles from the city centre of Rome and has 2 golf courses, an 18-hole Championship Course and a 9-hole Resort Course. It hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The golf club was named after the castle of Marco Simone.The castle was a Roman fortified manor farm. The tower was built approximately in the year 1000 and later in the Middle Ages additional buildings built around it.
In the 1970s Laura Biagiotti, the Italian high fashion designer, and her husband Gianni Cigna both lived in the restored castle. By 1989 the golf course had been designed and built. The architects were Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane.The golf course has hosted the Italian Open golf championships four times, most recently in 2023, when Adrian Meronk won with an aggregate score of 271.
Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine, offers golfers a truly unique golfing experience. From the breathtaking views of the Alps at Royal Park Roveri Golf Club to the undulating fairways of Verdura Golf Club in Sicily, each golf course in Italy has its own distinct charm and challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, these top golf courses in Italy are sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your clubs, immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy, and tee off on some of the best golf courses the country has to offer.
