Best golf courses in Italy

A prestigious course near Turin, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. offering a championship layout with scenic Alpine views.

It is no wonder the Allianz Course at Royal Park Roveri Golf Club hosted the European Tour’s Italian Open between 2009 and 2012, as well as co-hosting the Circolo Golf Torino in 2009. 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 La 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.

Key features

• Length: - Back tees: 7198 yards - Front tees: 5981 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
• Founded: 1971
• Course type: Parkland/Woodland style

A classic parkland course nestled in the foothills of the Alps, known for its natural beauty, strategic design, and consistently high rankings in Italy.

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.

Key features:

• 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

A historic and charming course near Lake Como, featuring a tight, tree-lined layout that demands precision and shot-making.

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.

Key features:

• 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

A former Italian Open venue near Rome, this parkland course blends rolling fairways with a challenging design by Ken Cotton and Jim Fazio.

Olgiata Golf Club is a prestigious golfing destination located on the outskirts of Rome, Italy. Established in 1961, the club features two courses: the West Course (18 holes) and the East Course (9 holes), offering a total of 27 holes set within a scenic parkland environment.​

The West Course, originally designed by English architect C. Kenneth Cotton, underwent significant renovations in 2012 under the direction of American architect Jim Fazio to meet modern standards and tournament requirements. This course has hosted numerous international tournaments, including the Italian Open in 2002, as well as the 1968 and 1984 editions of the World Championship Professionals Team. ​

The East Course, a 9-hole, par-36 course measuring 2,947 meters, was designed by architect Marco Croze. Despite its shorter length, it serves as a standalone course hosting various events and competitions.​

Our travel experts recently played Olgiata on a trip to Rome, read about it here.

Key Features:

• Length: West Course: Approximately 7,146 yards (6,535 meters)​, East Course: Approximately 3,222 yards (2,947 meters)​
• Par: West Course: 73​, East Course: 36​
• Architects: West Course: C. Kenneth Cotton (original), Jim Fazio (renovation)​, East Course: Marco Croze​
• Founded: 1961​
• Course Type: Parkland​

A stunning Kyle Phillips-designed coastal course in Sicily, offering world-class facilities and breathtaking Mediterranean views.

Home of the 2012 Sicilian Open, the Links 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.

Key features

• Length: - Back tees: 7397 yards - Front tees: 5398 yards

• Par: 73

• Architect: Kyle Phillips

• Founded: 2009

• Course type: Links style

One of Italy’s oldest and most respected courses, featuring two challenging layouts immersed in lush woodland near Turin.

Established in 1920, Circolo Golf Torino – La Mandria is one of Italy's most historic and prestigious golf clubs. Situated within the expansive La Mandria Regional Park near Turin, the club offers two exceptional 18-hole parkland courses—the Blue Course and the Yellow Course—both seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Circolo Golf Torino – La Mandria is celebrated for its rich history, challenging courses, and commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience amidst the serene beauty of the Piedmont region.

Blue Course: - Designed by English architect John Morrison and opened in 1956, the Blue Course is renowned for its challenging layout featuring tree-lined fairways and strategically placed water hazards. This championship course has hosted the Italian Open three times: in 1999, 2013, and 2014.

Yellow Course: - Also designed by John Morrison and later enhanced by architects Marco Croze and Graham Cooke, the Yellow Course offers a slightly different challenge with its own unique character, catering to golfers of varying skill levels.

Key Features:

• Length: Blue Course: Approximately 6,905 yards (6,314 meters), Yellow Course: Approximately 6,078 yards (5,560 meters)
• Par: Both courses are par 72.
• Architects: Blue Course: John Morrison, Yellow Course: John Morrison, with later contributions by Marco Croze and Graham Cooke
• Founded: 1920
• Course Type: Parkland

The host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, this Rome-based course was redesigned by European Golf Design for match play drama and stunning views of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Designed by Jim Fazio in the 1980s, the Championship Course at Marco Simone Golf Club has had a prestigious history, hosting the Italian Open in 1994 and again in 2021. For the 2023 Ryder Cup which Europe impressively won, the course was redesigned by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design. This redesign led to an excellent display of golf on a great risk and reward course.

The course is maintained to an excellent standard and is a stern challenge for all levels of golfer. What's more, there are unparalleled views of lakes, the Marco Simone Castle and Saint Peters dome throughout the course, providing guests with a unique yet classic Italian setting to enjoy.

Key Features

• Length: Back tees: 7,268 yards | Front tees: 5,962 yards
• Par: 72
• Architect: Jim Fazio (original), Tom Fazio II (redesign)
• Founded: 1989
• Course Type: Parkland/Championship Style

A scenic 27-hole course by Cotton, Pennink, and Steel, set between Lake Garda and the rolling Lombardy countryside.

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.

Key features:

• 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

Home to two modern Robert von Hagge-designed courses, offering a blend of links-style and parkland golf with stunning mountain backdrops.

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.

Key features:

• Length: - Back tees: 7095 yards - Front tees: 5367 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Robert von Hagge

• Founded: 2000

• Course type: Parkland style

A beautiful Tuscan course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., featuring rolling hills, wide fairways, and breathtaking countryside views.

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.

Key features:

• 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

A hidden gem in Umbria, Antognolla is ranked as Italy's Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards.

Set in the heart of Umbria’s countryside, Antognolla Golf is one of Italy’s most scenic and challenging courses. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., this championship course blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring dramatic elevation changes, deep bunkers, and large undulating greens.

Recognised multiple times as Italy’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards, Antognolla offers a truly unique golfing experience. The signature par-5 18th hole is a breathtaking finish, demanding both power and precision as it plays downhill toward the historic Antognolla Castle, which serves as a stunning backdrop. With impeccably maintained fairways and a peaceful, secluded setting, this course is a must-play for any golfer visiting Italy.

Key Features

• Length: Back tees: 7,136 yards | Front tees: 5,892 yards
• Par: 71
• Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
• Founded: 1998
• Course Type: Championship/Parkland