The most scenic golf courses in Italy

Situated in Corte Franca, the heart of the Franciacorta region, land of sparkling wines, immersed in eight hectares of greenery among woods, lakes and view on the vineyards: the Franciacorta Golf Club, established in 1927, has a very strong bond with wine: the club’s three golf course, in fact, bear the name of the three different types of Franciacorta wine (“Brut”, “Satèn” and “Rosè”). In its mild ups and downs, it offers a course with 27 holes 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 “rosé” course (PAR 34, 2,593 meters).

Services: driving range, golf school, putting green, chipping green, golf cart and trolley rental, tennis courts, pools, wellness area, bistro, pro-shop.

What to do and see in the surroundings: be sure not to miss the Franciacorta Wine Route, among 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 biggest Italian lake island; just a few kilometres away from the cities of Brescia (25 km) and Bergamo (40 km).

In an unspoilt natural environment, among century-old oak, chestnut and larch woods, in a sunny position on the hills above Stresa, the Golf Des Iles Borromées boasts a very panoramic view stretching from Lake Maggiore to the Simplon Alps and Switzerland. The 18-hole golf course twists and turns through natural drops and obstacles at an altitude of 600 meters.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes (par 72, 6,122 meters).

Services: driving range, putting green, trolley and bag rental, pro-shop, bar, restaurant.

What to do and see in the surroundings: less than 10 km away is Stresa, historic resort on Lake Maggiore with its elegant lakefront; from here, you can set off for the exploration of Verbania, Arona, Angera and Baveno; don’t miss a tour by ferry or motorboat around the amazing Borromean Islands, right in front of Stresa.

Designed by famous US architects Robert Von Hagge & Richard Baril, awarded with international recognition and considered among the most beautiful Italian golf courses, the Is Arenas Golf & Country Club is located in Sardinia, in a lush 700-hectare pine grove within a resort overlooking the sea. The 18-hole golf course winds along an overall 6,300 meters, among pines and junipers mildly degrading towards the beach, one of the most charming in the area of Oristano.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes par 72, length 6.300 meters + executive course with 3 holes par 9, length 600 meters.

Services: driving range, pitching green, putting green, golf school, golf cart, rental of manual and electric trolleys, swimming-pool, pro-shop, restaurant, bar, accommodation, beach club.

What to do and see in the surroundings: here you find some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia (among which, in addition to Is Arenas, also 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).

Included among the best European golf courses, the Verdura Resort is located in Sciacca, Sicily, housed in a luxury resort with a private beach magnificently overlooking the Mediterranean. In addition to the extraordinary beauty of its location, this golf club boasts two courses with high technical standards, flawless maintenance and high-quality turf, and thanks to the mild climate is feasible 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.

Services: driving range, golf academy, practice bunker, putting green, pitching green, rental of manual and electric trolleys, club rental, golf cart, pool, swing studio, pro-shop, spa, bar and restaurants.

What to do and see in the surroundings: less than 15 km away is Sciacca, well-known for its Roman baths and the traditional ceramic items, full of churches, cultural opportunities and beautiful beaches (like Capo San Marco beach), and Ribera, the City of Oranges, with architectural beauties, the archaeological site of the Anguilla necropolis and the wonderful nature reserve of the Mouth of river Platani.

Considered one of the most beautiful mountain greens in Italy, the Asiago Golf Club is peculiar since it bewitches with its extraordinary Alpine landscape, but being a plateau, has anyway a track without excessive differences in height. Its golf course, with 18 holes, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, is hosted in a golf house annexed to a charming hotel with restaurant.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, length 6,067 meters.

Services: 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 surroundings: the Asiago Plateau, known as “Plateau of the seven districts”, is the perfect spot where to practice trekking and mountain biking thanks to the many trails available; nearby there is an interesting Museum of the Great War.

The Salsomaggiore Golf & Thermae lies in a quiet valley among the hills surrounding the town of Salsomaggiore Terme, a famous resort for thermal tourism. The 18-hole golf course twists and turns among wavy fairways and quick greens, fit for golfers of all levels, and sensational views on the Emilian countryside. To fully enjoy the quietness of this place, its clubhouse also makes the pool, solarium and restaurant available.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, par 72, length 5,761 meters.

Services: driving range with 15 stations (5 covered), pitching green, putting green, golf cart, club rental, electric and manual trolleys, pro-shop, pool, bar, solarium, restaurant.

What to do and see in the surroundings: in addition to some relaxation at the Thermal baths of Salsomaggiore and Tabiano, from here you can go and discover the Land of Verdi visiting his birth house-museum in Busseto, the city of Parma with its Teatro Regio, the medieval fortresses and castles in the area (Soragna, Fontanellato, Colorno, Torrechiara) or going shopping at the Fidenza Village Outlet.

Considered the oldest golf course in Italy (it was founded in 1903), the Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta is situated in the Appian Way Park, at the gates of downtown Rome. Playing golf here means experiencing a charming trip through Ancient Rome: the golf course, with 18 natural holes, is crossed by a Roman aqueduct (the Claudio Aqueduct) and is close to the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. From the green, the view ranges to the horizon all the way to Saint Peter’s Dome.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes – 71 par, length 5,854 meters.

Services: driving range, putting green, golf cart, manual or electric trolleys, bag rental, restaurant, pool, gym, billiard room.

What to do and see in the surroundings: a golf holiday here is the ideal opportunity to discover the wonders of Rome (less than 10 km away), but also the hills and the area of Castelli Romani, with historic villages and tasty dishes of the local cuisine.

In Savelletri, lapped by the Adriatic Sea and by century-old olive groves, lies the San Domenico Golf Club, a charming 18 hole golf course wrapped in the Mediterranean vegetation, bordering with the ancient city of Egnathia, dating to the Roman age. Built according to the highest technical standards, it boasts wide greens and slopes suitable for engaging challenges.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes, par 72, meters 6,361, CR men 72.1/wm 71.1, SLOPE men 132/wm 128.

Services: driving range, pitching green, putting green, golf school, practice bunker, golf cart, rental of manual and electric trolleys, bar, restaurant.

What to do and see in the surroundings: the golf club is close to Fasano, with its historic center made of whitewashed houses and nice beaches, the Egnazia Archaeological Park, the thermal baths of Torre Canne and Itria Valley, with renowned destinations like Alberobello and Ostuni.

In the amazing setting of the vineyards of the Collio, in the Gorizia hills, in the shadow of a castle with a history spanning nearly eight centuries, you will find the Golf & Country Club Castello di Spessa. The 18-hole golf course opens up on three different landscapes, with various fairways immersed in a lush, alluring 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, women: CR 72.6 - SR 127.

Services: pitching green, putting green, practice bunker, golf academy, resort, bar, restaurant, wine-shop and winery.

What to do and see in the surroundings: in the Castle it is possible to take part in guided tours and wine tasting; it’s also a good starting point for interesting itineraries by bicycle in the Collio area and towards nearby Slovenia.

The Conero Golf Club lies within 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, covering an extension of 6,000 meters, and offers a compelling challenge for any golf player, with a short course suitable for beginners and children. Quality and reception standards are of high-level, for a holiday of golf and relaxation.

Technical data: championship course with 18 holes, par 71 + executive course with 5 holes, par 17, 6,000 meters.

Services: golf school, manual and electric trolleys, pro-shop, tennis courts, bar, restaurant, pool.

What to do and see in the surroundings: the Conero area encloses evocative beaches, some of the most beautiful in the Adriatic Sea (like Le Due Sorelle, La Vela or the Mezzavalle beach) and is close to art cities and medieval villages, like Sirolo, Loreto, Osimo and Numana.

The Circolo Golf & Tennis Rapallo is located in Rapallo, on the western Riviera in Liguria, in a nature park rich in vegetation that earned it an environmental reward for care and beauty of the golf course (botany enthusiasts won’t be disappointed). The most sensational view is that of the ancient Monastery of Valle Christi, that you can enjoy from hole 7.

Technical data: golf course with 18 holes - Par 70, pro men length: 5,664 m, pro women length: 4,998 m, men: CR 71.1 SR 124, women: CR 73 SR 128.

Services: putting green, rental of manual and electric trolleys, bag rental, golf school, tennis courts, restaurant.

What to do and see in the surroundings: from Rapallo, well-known seaside resort, you can walk along the “Passeggiata dei baci” (Walk of kisses), a 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 nice beaches.  

Located to the north of Perugia, on the slopes of the alluring Antognolla Castle, a medieval manor house of the Twelfth century, perfectly preserved, dominating in an imposing way all over the green: it is the Antognolla Golf, a golf club with an 18 hole course among the most scenic in Italy, housed within an exclusive resort. The course is varied and interesting, full of exciting technical complexities.

Technical data: 18 holes - Par 71, length: men white tee: 6,112 m / CR 73.1 - SR 132 (championship), men yellow tee: 5,791 m / CR 71.5 - SR 128, women blue tee: 5,905 m / CR 75.8 - SR 128 (championship), women red tee: 4,999 m / CR 73.3 - SR 123.

Services: putting green, golf car, rental of manual and electric trolleys, pro-shop, driving range, resort, spa, restaurant.

What to do and see in the surroundings: in a strategic location in the heart of Umbria, from the golf club it only takes half an hour to reach some of the most famous attractions of the region, like Perugia, Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and Assisi (45 km).