Top 19 Golf Courses in Italy: Italy’s Golfing Gems

Italy isn’t just about Renaissance art, Roman ruins, and world-class cuisine – it’s also one of Europe’s most underrated golf destinations. With courses that wind through rolling vineyards, skirt sparkling coastlines, and sit in the shadow of the Alps, Italy offers golfers a truly unique blend of sport and scenery.

From historic layouts dating back over a century to modern masterpieces designed by legends like Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Tom Weiskopf, Italy’s golf courses combine technical challenges with postcard-worthy backdrops. 

Whether you’re teeing it up along Lake Como, exploring Sicily’s rugged shoreline, or chasing birdies in Tuscany, here are 19 of the best golf courses in Italy you should play.

1. Castiglion del Bosco Golf Club

This Tom Weiskopf design is reserved for members and Rosewood resort guests, creating an exclusive Tuscan escape. The course winds gracefully through vineyards and oak forests in the Brunello wine region, offering a serene, private golf retreat with world-class luxury.

Opened: 2010 
Par: 72 
Length: 7187 yards
Designers include: Tom Weiskopf (2010), Phil Smith (2010)
Difficulty: Slop 131 / Rating 74.9

2. Villa d’Este Golf Course

Perched above Lake Como, Villa d’Este is a timeless Italian classic. The course is tightly wooded and immaculately maintained, pairing rich history with an elegant lakeside setting that perfectly complements the surrounding villas and sparkling waters below.

Opened: 1926 
Par: 69 
Length: 6299 yards 
Designers include: James Peter Gannon (1926), Graham Cooke  Luigi Rota Caremoli (1989), Franco Piras (2000)|
Difficulty: Slope 130 / Rating 71.0

3. Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – Championship Course

Famed as the host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, Marco Simone delivers drama with bold elevation changes and panoramic views of St. Peter’s Basilica. Just outside Rome, this modern championship course combines thrilling strategy with unforgettable scenery.

Opened: 1989
Par: 72 
Length: 7298 yards 
Designers include: Jim Fazio (1989), David Mezzacane (1989), European Golf Design
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 76.2

4. Biella Golf Club – The Betulle Course

Often called one of Europe’s hidden gems, Biella Le Betulle is a natural beauty framed by tranquil forests and mountain views. Its tree-lined fairways and classic routing create a pure, traditional test that rewards precision and patience.

Opened: 1958 
Par: 73 
Length: 7145 yards 
Designers include: John S. F. Morrison (1958), Donald Harradine (1958)
Difficulty: Slope 145 / Rating 75.0

5. Royal Park I Roveri – Allianz

Set at the foot of the Alps, Royal Park I Roveri boasts two championship courses, with the Robert Trent Jones Sr. “Allianz Course” standing out. The lush parkland design, combined with Italian Open pedigree, makes this one of the country’s elite golfing venues.

Opened: 1971
Par: 72
Length: 7,172 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Difficulty: Slope 143 / Rating 74.4

6. Verdura Golf & Spa Resort – West Course

A coastal paradise, Verdura features two Kyle Phillips-designed courses, Links and Shore, that rank among Italy’s finest. Sweeping seaside views, Mediterranean breezes, and a luxurious five-star resort make this one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.

Opened: 2009 
Par: 70 
Length: 7160 yards
Designers include: Kyle Phillips (2009)
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 74.4

7. Castelconturbia Golf Club

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Castelconturbia offers 27 holes of championship golf amid forests and rolling Alpine foothills. With flowing terrain and breathtaking views, it’s a serene Northern Italian escape for golfers of all levels.

The Blue Course

Opened: 1987 
Par: 36
Length: 3439 yards 
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1987)

The Yellow Course

Opened: 1987
Par: 36
Length: 3373 yards 
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1987)

8. Olgiata Golf Club

Just outside the Eternal City, Olgiata is a parkland course with a storied history, having hosted multiple Italian Opens. Mature trees and elegant fairways provide both challenge and beauty, making it a favorite Roman golf experience.

Opened: 1961
Par: 71
Length: 7,566 yards
Designers include: C. Kenneth Cotton
Difficulty: Slope 126 / Rating 71.9

9. Royal La Bagnaia

Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved this stunning layout into Siena’s rolling hills, creating a wide-open course with classic design elements. With panoramic Tuscan views, Royal La Bagnaia is both scenic and strategically rewarding.

Opened: 2009
Par: 71 
Length: 6,664 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Difficulty: Slope 147 / Rating 73.6

10. Roma Acquasanta

Italy’s oldest golf club, Roma Acquasanta is steeped in heritage. Located just minutes from central Rome, the course features undulating hills, historic Roman aqueduct views, and an unmistakable old-world charm.

Opened: 1903
Par: 71
Length: 6,500
Designers include: Marquis Vanni, Arthur Flach, R. C. Young, and Hector De Castro
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 71.8

11. Pevero Golf Club

Located in the glamorous Costa Smeralda, Pevero delivers one of Europe’s most scenic seaside rounds. With rocky outcrops, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and glittering sea views, it’s a Sardinian gem that pairs natural drama with resort luxury.

Opened: 1972 
Par: 72 
Length: 6747 yards 
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (1972), Les Furber Design (1972)
Difficulty: Slope 121 / Rating 70.7

12. Antognolla Golf Course

In the heart of Umbria, Antognolla is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design set beneath a medieval castle. Rugged terrain, dramatic elevation changes, and a breathtaking backdrop make this central Italian course truly unique.

Opened: 1977
Par: 71
Length: 6,884 yards
Designers include: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Difficulty: Slope 132 / Rating 73.1

13. Torino Golf Club La Mandria – The Blue Course

This historic 36-hole club lies within a royal park near Turin and has hosted numerous Italian Opens. Surrounded by nature and framed by Alpine views, La Mandria blends tradition with championship-caliber golf.

Opened: 1956 
Par: 72
Length: 7210 yards 
Designers include: John S. F. Morrison (1956), Graham Cooke (1997), Donald Harradine (1956), Darrell Huxham
Difficulty: Slope 145 / Rating 75.1

14. Bergamo L’Albenza

Home to Ryder Cup legend Costantino Rocca, L’Albenza features 27 holes of rolling countryside golf. Elevation changes, strategic shot-making, and a peaceful rural setting make it a standout course near Milan and Lake Como.

Opened: 1961
Par: 71
Length: 6,039 yards
Designers include: C. K. Cotton and Martin A.F Sutton (1961), Marco Croze (1987)

15. Firenze Ugolino

Dating back to 1933, Firenze Ugolino is a charming Tuscan course steeped in history. Small greens, rolling terrain, and authentic Italian character define this course, located just 20 minutes from the heart of Florence.

Opened: 1933
Par: 72
Length: 6,200 yards
Designers include: Cecil Blandford and Peter Gannon 
Difficulty: Slope 126 / Rating 73.7

16. Franciacorta Golf Club

Nestled in Lombardy’s sparkling wine region, Franciacorta offers three scenic nines winding through vineyards and woodlands. It’s wine-country golf at its finest, pairing golf with tastings and Lake Garda’s natural beauty.

Opened: 1986
Par: 73
Length: 6,718 yards
Designers include: Pete Dye and Marco Croze

17. Gardagolf Country Club

With 27 holes and panoramic lake and mountain views, Gardagolf is one of Italy’s most acclaimed venues. A frequent Italian Open host, it combines championship challenge with spectacular resort-style surroundings.

Opened: 1986
Par: 72
Length: 7,121
Designers include: Golf & Gardens and British firm Cotton, Pennick, Steel & Partners
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 71.2

18. Le Pavoniere Golf Club

An Arnold Palmer design just outside Florence, Le Pavoniere blends American flair with Italian elegance. Wide fairways, water hazards, and a bold layout create a fun yet strategic Tuscan golf experience.

Opened: 1995 
Par: 72 
Length: 7069 yards 
Designers include: Arnold Palmer (1995), Ed Seay (1995)
Difficulty: Slope 140 / Rating 74.7

19. Robinie Golf Club

The only Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Italy, Le Robinie showcases the Golden Bear’s trademark style with bold bunkering and wide corridors. Close to Milan and the Lakes, it’s a must-play for Nicklaus fans.

Opened: 1992 
Par: 72 
Length: 7130 yards 
Designers include: Jack Nicklaus (1992), David Heatwole (1992)
Difficulty: Slope 130 / Rating 73.7

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