The holiday destination that has it all... amazing cuisine, stunning scenery and fantastic golf resorts! We countdown our favourite golf courses we think you should play on your next Italian golf break.
Many people who decide to play golf in Italy often ask us: “What are the best golf courses in Italy?” Golf holidays in Italy through Golfbreaks will see you playing on the best golf courses in Italy, as we can offer you courses not only in the top-100 golf courses in Italy but nine inside the top-20. Take a look at our top nine to give you inspiration on where to play golf in Italy.
As the number one course in Italy, it is no wonder it hosted the European Tour’s Italian Open between 2009 and 2012. Embedded in the Alps, the parkland course has consistently been voted inside the top-3 courses in Italy since 1985 meaning you can be assured of a memorable round here. The 17th hole will, without a doubt, be the stand out hole as it has been awarded the “Best hole in Italy” by Gazzetta dello Sport. The 468-yard hole is flanked by trees, has a water hazard in front of the green and several bunkers, providing a stern test for every golfer.
Length: - Back tees: 7198 yards - Front tees: 5981 yards Par: 72 Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Founded: 1971 Course type: Parkland/Woodland style
Biella Golf Club, also known as Le Betulle, sits proudly at number two in the top-100 golf courses in Italy. You will find this course set in the charming countryside alongside the slopes of the Serra Moraine, with John Morrison’s design making the most of the natural landscape. A young Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur Championship here, shooting a course record 65 along the way. Measuring at 7,147-yards and with a par of 73, you will do well to match McIlroy’s feat here.
Length: - Back tees: 7146 yards - Front tees: 5122 yards Par: 73 Architect: John S. F. Morrison and Donald Harradine Founded: 1958 Course type: Parkland course
Another former Italian Open host sits at number-4 in the top-100 golf courses in Italy – Circolo Golf Villa d’Este. It has even seen Jose Maria Olazabal and Henrik Stenson win the International Championship as amateurs here. The course itself winds its way through pine, ash and chestnut trees, and even benefits from spectacular views across Lake Montorfano. Circolo Golf Villa d’Este certainly offers an unforgettable round of golf that will live long in the memory and leave you wanting to come back for more.
Length: - Back tees: 6267 yards - Front tees: 5378 yards Par: 69 Architect: James Peter Gannon, Graham Cooke, Luigi Rota Caremoli and Franco Piras Founded: 1926 Course type: Parkland course
Home of the 2012 Sicilian Open, the East Course at Verdura Golf Club is one to cherish on the south-west coast of Sicily. The undulations throw golfers playing this course for the first time, as you really have to think about where you land your golf ball. The addition of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers mean this course really does take no prisoners. The constant mental test is well worth it when you’re stood on the elevated 18th tee taking in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Length: - Back tees: 7397 yards - Front tees: 5398 yards Par: 73 Architect: Kyle Phillips Founded: 2009 Course type: Links style
Typical of the Ticino natural park that Bogogno Golf Resort is situated in, the Bonora Course is set out across a large hill, with numerous untouched streams and woods creating a pleasant but testing round of golf. Course management is key here if you are to score well, otherwise, you may find yourself in deep bunkers, thick rough or, even worse, a water hazard. It is understandable as to why this course is ranked at number eight in the top-100 golf courses in Italy.
Length: - Back tees: 7095 yards - Front tees: 5367 yards Par: 72 Architect: Robert von Hagge Founded: 2000 Course type: Parkland style
Offering 18-holes of pure emotion, Royal Golf La Bagnaia was renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr’s first design in Tuscany. Harmonised with the gently rolling hills of Siena, the landscape of this course is typical of an inland links, with rough that waves in the wind. It is further enhanced by stunning lakes, and the majestic clubhouse overlooks the testing 18-holes.
Length: - Back tees: 6671 yards - Front tees: 5244 yards Par: 71 Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Ty Butler Founded: 2011 Course type: Links style
Garda Golf & Country Club is nestled deep within the Vatenesi Hills, offers golfers scenic views across the 27-holes of golf on offer. Home to the European Tour’s Italian Open, the course offers varying nines that feature water-hazards, greens burrowed in a natural amphitheatre of olive trees and numerous strategically placed bunkers. This really is a stunning place to play golf above the shores of Lake Garda.
Length: - Back tees: 6505 yards - Front tees: 5344 yards Par: 71 Architect: Charles Kenneth Cotton, Frank Pennink and Donald Steel Founded: 1986-1990 Course type: Parkland style
Located on the West coast of Sardinia is Is Arenas and its 6,867-yards of golf. The golfer who is strategic will score well here, as you make your way through an undulating, large forest surrounded by tranquillity and untouched nature. The 16th hole can make or break your round, as the long par-4 has water to the left-hand side, right on the landing distance for most amateur golfers, followed by a lengthy approach shot. However, the 5* Is Arenas Private Golf & Foresterie Boutique Resort is conveniently a short walk away so you are not far from relaxation after your round.
Length: - Back tees: 6909 yards - Front tees: 5136 yards Par: 72 Architect: Von Hagge, and Smelek and Baril Founded: 2001 Course type: Parkland style
Published
Senior European Travel Consultant
As the Official Golf Tourism Operator of the PGA TOUR and with over 25 years’ experience, Golfbreaks is one of the world’s longest established and most trusted golf travel companies. We organise golf breaks, holidays and tournament experiences for more than 200,000 golfers annually at over 2,000 resorts and golf courses in the UK, Europe, and further afield.
