Uncover the Best Golf Courses in Italy: The Top 10 Must Play Courses for 2023/24

Planning a golf getaway to Italy, but feeling bewildered amidst the reams of exquisite courses? Trust me – with over 300 distinctive golf clubs in Italy, it’s like finding your elusive hole-in-one.

Even Golf World rates numerous Italian courses amongst their top 100 worldwide! In this blog post, we’re set to navigate you through the most appealing and must-play Italian golf courses for 2023/24.

So let’s embark on this journey of unearthing your dream green!

Key Takeaways

• Italy is home to over 300 golf clubs and has numerous courses ranked among the top 100 worldwide by Golf World.
• The top 10 must – play golf courses in Italy for 2023/24 include Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Circolo Golf Villa d’Este, Verdura Resort, Golf Club Biella, Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club, Acquasanta Golf Club, Castelconturbia Golf Club, Bogogno Golf Resort, Is Arenas Golf & Country Club,and Villa D’Este Golf Club.
• These courses offer stunning views of the Italian countryside and coastlines with challenging layouts suitable for all skill levels.
• Factors considered when selecting these top courses include design and layout, course condition, scenic beauty,and difficulty.

Top 10 Must Play Golf Courses in Italy

Here are the top 10 must-play golf courses in Italy for 2023/24.

Marco Simone Golf and Country Club

Marco Simone Golf and Country Club is a must-play spot. It will host the Ryder Cup in 2023. The club sits just outside Rome. It offers a mix of fun and challenge for all golfers. This course has both wide-open fairways and tricky narrow spots, so you’ll need all your skills to succeed here! Plus, it’s ranked among Italy’s top 100 courses by Golf World.

You will love the stunning views of the Italian countryside too.

Circolo Golf Villa d’Este

Circolo Golf Villa d’Este is one of the top golf courses in Italy. Located in Lombardy, this course offers a beautiful setting with stunning views of Lake Como. It has a challenging layout that will test your skills and make for an exciting round of golf.

The course is well-maintained, ensuring that you’ll have a great playing experience. On top of that, the club provides excellent amenities and facilities to enhance your visit. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Circolo Golf Villa d’Este is definitely worth checking out when planning your golf trip to Italy.

Verdura Resort

Verdura Resort is a top golf destination in Italy that offers an unforgettable experience. Located on the stunning Sicilian coastline, this luxury resort features two championship golf courses designed by world-renowned architect Kyle Phillips.

The East Course and West Course both offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and are known for their challenging yet fair layouts. With meticulously maintained fairways and greens, golfers can expect excellent course conditions during their rounds at Verdura Resort.

In addition to the exceptional golf courses, the resort boasts state-of-the-art practice facilities, including a driving range and short game area. After a day on the links, golfers can relax at the luxurious spa or indulge in gourmet dining options at one of Verdura’s restaurants.

Golf Club Biella

Golf Club Biella is one of the top golf courses in Italy that you must play. It has been recognized for its excellence and has ranked among the best golf courses in Italy. Located in the beautiful region of Piedmont, Golf Club Biella offers a stunning setting with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

The course itself is known for its challenging layout and well-maintained condition, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf. With excellent amenities and facilities, including a clubhouse and pro shop, Golf Club Biella provides everything you need for a memorable golfing experience.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, make sure to include Golf Club Biella on your list of must-play courses!

Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club

Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Italy and a must-play destination for any golfer. Located near Turin, this championship course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush green fairways.

The course itself is known for its challenging layout and impeccable condition, making it a favorite among professional golfers. With luxurious amenities and top-notch facilities, Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club provides an unforgettable golfing experience.

It has been recognized as one of Italy’s top 100 golf courses by Golf World, cementing its status as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.

Acquasanta Golf Club

Acquasanta Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in Italy that you absolutely must play. Located near Rome, this beautiful course offers a challenging and scenic experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio, Acquasanta Golf Club is known for its lush fairways, undulating greens, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The course features strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that will test your accuracy and decision-making on every hole.

With excellent facilities and amenities, including a pro shop, practice area, and clubhouse, Acquasanta Golf Club provides everything you need for a memorable golfing experience in Italy.

Castelconturbia Golf Club

One of the top golf courses in Italy is Castelconturbia Golf Club. It’s known for its beautiful design and challenging layout, making it a must-play for golfers. The course is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

With its excellent facilities and amenities, including a clubhouse and practice areas, Castelconturbia Golf Club provides a fantastic golfing experience for both beginners and experienced players alike.

So if you’re planning a golf trip to Italy, make sure to add this gem to your itinerary.

Bogogno Golf Resort

Bogogno Golf Resort is one of the top golf courses in Italy that you must visit. It offers two championship golf courses, Bonora and Del Conte, both designed by Robert von Hagge. These courses are known for their scenic beauty and challenging layouts, making them perfect for golfers of all skill levels.

The resort also has excellent facilities including a driving range, practice greens, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop. When planning your golf trip to Italy, make sure to include Bogogno Golf Resort on your itinerary for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Is Arenas Golf & Country Club

Is Arenas Golf & Country Club is one of the top golf courses in Italy. Ranked among the best in the country, it offers a challenging and scenic playing experience. Located in Sardinia, Is Arenas Golf & Country Club boasts a beautiful natural setting with sand dunes and pine forests surrounding the course.

The layout is designed to test your skills, with strategic bunkers and water hazards to navigate. The club also provides excellent amenities and facilities, including a clubhouse and practice area.

Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking for a fun round, Is Arenas Golf & Country Club is definitely worth checking out when visiting Italy.

Villa D’Este Golf Club

Villa D’Este Golf Club is a top golf course in Italy that you must play. It is located in the beautiful city of Como, surrounded by stunning lakes and mountains. This course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Designed by Peter Gannon, Villa D’Este Golf Club has a well-maintained layout with lush fairways and manicured greens. The course combines natural beauty with strategic design elements, making each hole exciting to play.

As you navigate through the 18 holes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Montorfano and the surrounding countryside. The scenery alone makes this course worth visiting.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Golf Courses

When selecting the best golf courses in Italy, we considered various factors such as design, course condition, scenic beauty, difficulty, and amenities. Discover how these courses earned a spot on our top 10 list..

Design and layout

I love golf courses that have a great design and layout. In Italy, you can find some amazing ones! These courses are carefully crafted to provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers.

From strategic bunkering to beautiful water features, every aspect of the course is well thought out. The designers make use of the natural terrain and landscape to create unique holes that require precision and skill.

Whether it’s undulating fairways or tricky greens, Italian golf courses offer a variety of challenges for players of all skill levels. So if you’re looking for a memorable round of golf, check out these top-notch designs in Italy!

Course condition

When it comes to choosing the best golf courses in Italy, course condition plays a crucial role. You want to play on well-maintained greens and fairways that provide a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

The top-rated golf courses in Italy have excellent course conditions, with meticulously manicured grass, properly maintained bunkers, and pristine putting surfaces. These courses invest heavily in regular maintenance to ensure that their players have the best possible playing conditions.

Whether you’re looking for challenging terrain or a more forgiving layout, you can expect exceptional course conditions when playing at the top golf courses in Italy.

Scenic beauty

The scenic beauty of golf courses in Italy is truly breathtaking. From rolling hills to coastal views, these courses offer stunning landscapes that will enhance your golfing experience.

Picture yourself teeing off surrounded by lush green fairways, vibrant flowers, and towering trees. As you navigate through the course, you’ll be treated to picturesque vistas of lakes, mountains, and even historical landmarks.

Whether you’re playing along the coastline or in the heart of Tuscany’s countryside, each course offers its own unique charm and natural beauty.

Italy’s diverse landscape provides a variety of backdrops for your game. Imagine hitting a shot while overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea or taking aim with ancient ruins as your backdrop.

The combination of nature and history creates an atmosphere that is both serene and awe-inspiring.

Difficulty

I believe that the difficulty of a golf course is an important factor to consider when choosing where to play. Luckily, Italy offers a variety of courses with different levels of difficulty, catering to all skill levels.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a more forgiving course or an experienced golfer seeking a challenging layout, there’s something for everyone in Italy. Some of the top courses mentioned earlier, like Marco Simone Golf and Country Club and Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club, are known for their challenging designs and demanding shots.

On the other hand, there are also courses like Acquasanta Golf Club and Bogogno Golf Resort that offer a slightly less difficult experience while still providing plenty of enjoyment.

Amenities and facilities

Golfers visiting Italy can expect top-notch amenities and facilities at the country’s best golf courses. From well-maintained practice areas to luxurious clubhouses, these courses offer everything you need for a memorable golfing experience.

Many of them have excellent dining options, pro shops stocked with the latest equipment, and locker rooms for your convenience. Some courses even have spas and fitness centers where you can relax after a round of golf.

With their world-class facilities, these golf courses ensure that every golfer is well taken care of during their visit to Italy.

Tips for Planning a Golf Trip to Italy

Research courses and availability, arrange accommodations and transportation, pack appropriate golf attire and equipment, consider hiring a local guide or golf tour operator, and plan non-golf activities and sightseeing.

Discover everything you need to know to ensure an unforgettable golf trip to Italy.

Research courses and availability

To plan your golf trip to Italy, it’s important to research the courses and their availability. There are many resources available online where you can find information about the different golf courses in Italy.

You can read reviews, view photos, and learn about the course layout and difficulty level. It’s also a good idea to check if the courses require advance reservations or tee times, especially during peak seasons.

Some of the top golf courses may have limited availability, so it’s best to plan ahead and secure your spot early. Consider reaching out to local guides or golf tour operators who can assist you in finding and booking your preferred courses.

Arrange accommodations and transportation

To make your golf trip to Italy smooth and hassle-free, it’s important to arrange accommodations and transportation in advance. Look for hotels or resorts near the golf courses you plan to play at, so you can easily access them.

Consider booking a room with golf course views for a more enjoyable experience.

When it comes to transportation, renting a car is often the best option as it gives you flexibility and convenience. Many airports in Italy have car rental services available. You can also hire a private driver if you prefer not to drive yourself.

Remember, popular golf destinations like Rome or Tuscany might require some travel between courses, so plan accordingly. Research the distance between each course and allow enough time for travel.

Pack appropriate golf attire and equipment

When planning your golf trip to Italy, it is important to pack the right attire and equipment. Make sure you have comfortable clothing and proper golf shoes that will allow you to move freely on the course.

Don’t forget your clubs, balls, tees, and any other necessary accessories. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun. Finally, check with each golf course beforehand to see if there are any specific dress code requirements or restrictions on certain types of equipment.

Consider hiring a local guide or golf tour operator

If you want to make your golf trip to Italy even more enjoyable and hassle-free, I highly recommend considering hiring a local guide or a golf tour operator. They can provide valuable insights about the best courses in the area, help with tee time reservations, and ensure smooth transportation between courses.

A local guide or tour operator can also assist in arranging accommodations that cater specifically to golfers. With their expertise and knowledge of the local golf scene, they can help customize your itinerary based on your preferences and budget.

Plan non-golf activities and sightseeing

While golf is the main attraction, Italy offers so much more to explore. Plan some non-golf activities and sightseeing during your trip to make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Take a break from the greens and visit historical landmarks like the Colosseum in Rome or the canals of Venice. Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine at local restaurants or go wine tasting in Tuscany’s vineyards.

Explore charming towns like Florence and Pisa, or relax on stunning beaches along the Amalfi Coast. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in Italy’s vibrant culture by visiting museums and attending local festivals.

Golfing Etiquette and Rules in Italy

When playing golf in Italy, it is important to follow the proper etiquette and rules of the game. From dressing appropriately to respecting tee time reservations, this section will guide you through the dos and don’ts of golfing in Italy.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the course, familiarize yourself with these important guidelines.

Dress code

When playing golf in Italy, it’s important to follow the dress code. Most golf courses have specific requirements for attire that must be followed. Typically, collared shirts and tailored trousers or shorts are required for men, while women should wear appropriate golfing attire such as skirts, dresses, or trousers.

Jeans and athletic wear are generally not allowed on the course. It’s a good idea to check the dress code of each individual course before you go to ensure that you are dressed appropriately.

Remember to also bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking on the course.

Tee time reservations

To ensure a smooth golfing experience in Italy, it is important to make tee time reservations in advance. This will help you secure your preferred tee times and avoid any disappointments or delays.

Many of the top golf courses in Italy are quite popular and can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the golf clubs directly or use online booking platforms to reserve your tee times well ahead of your trip.

By making tee time reservations early, you can better plan your itinerary and enjoy uninterrupted rounds of golf at some of the best courses Italy has to offer.

Pace of play

Maintaining a good pace of play is important when you’re out on the golf course. It helps ensure that everyone can enjoy their round and keeps things moving smoothly. In Italy, like anywhere else, it’s essential to be mindful of your pace and keep up with the group in front of you.

This means being ready to hit your shot when it’s your turn and not taking too much time between shots. Remember, slow play can cause frustration for other golfers and lead to longer rounds.

So, stay aware of your pace and try to play efficiently to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Golf cart usage

I love using golf carts when I play, and in Italy, they are commonly available at golf courses. It’s a convenient way to navigate the course and carry your clubs. Some courses might require you to use a cart for certain holes or during specific times of the day.

Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on where you can drive the carts, so make sure to follow any guidelines provided by the course. Golf carts can enhance your experience on the course and allow you to focus more on your game without worrying about carrying your equipment around.

Course maintenance and repair

Maintaining and repairing golf courses in Italy is essential to provide a great playing experience. Golf course owners and staff work hard to keep the greens, fairways, and bunkers in top condition.

Regular maintenance includes mowing the grass, fertilizing it, and watering it properly. They also ensure that the sand traps are well-maintained and free from debris. If there are any areas of the course that need repair due to wear and tear or weather damage, they take prompt action to fix them.

This ensures that golfers can enjoy a well-groomed course with smooth greens and fairways during their round of golf in Italy.

Conclusion

Discover the top 10 must-play golf courses in Italy for an amazing golfing experience in 2023/24. From the stunning Circolo Golf Villa d’Este to the challenging Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, these courses offer exquisite design, breathtaking views, and world-class amenities.

With Italy hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup, it’s clear that this country is a golfer’s paradise. Start planning your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable golfing adventure in beautiful Italy!

FAQs

1. What are the must-play golf courses in Italy for 2023/24?

The must-play golf courses in Italy for 2023/24 include Circolo Golf Villa D’Este, Verdura Golf Club, and Castelgandolfo Golf Club.

2. Where can I find good Italian golf clubs near Rome?

You can easily discover top golf destinations near Rome like Castelgandolfo Golf Club which is known as one of the best golf resorts in Italy.

3. Are there any luxury or championship golf courses in Italy?

Yes, several luxury and championship Italian golf clubs are famous around Europe such as the Verdura Golf Club and Circolo Golf Villa D’Este.

4. Can you name some scenic golf courses located in Tuscany?

There are many beautiful scenic golf courses in Tuscany that offer a rich mix of natural beauty with high-quality playing grounds; you will need to visit to uncover them all!

5.Has Italy’s list of top 10 must-play course changed much over time?

While some Italian clubs always make the cut, new ones push their way into our “top ten” list each year due to updates on services or course quality.