Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Italy

Italy usually brings to mind pasta and old ruins, but it’s a legitimate, if underrated, spot for a golf trip. It might not be the first destination you’d think of, but the country has around 87,000 regular players. Most of the action is in Lombardy, which has the most courses, but the central and southern regions have a few gems with views that make it hard to focus on your swing. Here are ten Italian courses that are actually worth the green fees, ranging from the famous northern clubs to some scenic outliers in the south.

How Many Golf Courses in Italy?

At the beginning of 2024, Italy has a rich tapestry of over 250 golf courses, showcasing a diverse range of designs from the classic parkland to the serene tree-lined fairways, and even unique links-style layouts exemplified by the Verdura Golf Resort in Sicily. The majority of these courses are concentrated in the northern regions, but the golfing experience extends to the picturesque islands of Sardinia and Sicily as well, offering players the chance to enjoy their game in some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes.

Must-Visit Golf Courses in Italy

1. Golf Club Villa d’Este

Location: Via Cantù, 13, 22030 Montorfano CO, Italy

Golf Club Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este has been around since 1926, and it feels like it. It’s the kind of place where the history is as much a part of the round as the golf itself. Over the last century, everyone from European royalty to Hollywood’s elite has played here, and that prestige hasn’t really faded.

The course was originally designed to bring a bit of Scotland to Italy. It’s heavy on birch, chestnut, and pine trees, all sitting right against the pre-Alps. It’s a par 69, so it isn’t the longest course you’ll play, but it’s notoriously difficult because the fairways are tight and the natural hills are unforgiving. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks; the challenge is just the terrain. If you can’t hit a straight ball, the trees will make it a very long afternoon.

2. Castelconturbia Golf Club

Location: Via Castelconturbia, 10, 28010 Localita’ Bindellina NO, Italy

Castelconturbia Golf Club

The Castelconturbia Golf Club stands out as Piedmont’s most historic golf course, established in the late 19th century by Count Gaspare Voli, who introduced the sport from Scotland, a country he frequented.

Today, the club spans over a million square meters and features a 27-hole course set amidst venerable trees, scenic ponds, and meandering streams, earning it a spot among the top 10 best golf courses in Europe and the accolade of the best golf course in Italy.

Adding to the allure of Castelconturbia are its stunning surroundings: the proximity to Lake Maggiore, just 12 kilometers to the south, and the majestic Mount Rosa, visible from virtually everywhere on the course, enhancing the golfing experience with breathtaking views.

3. Golf Club Milano

Location: Via Regina Margherita, 25, 20853 Biassono MB, Italy

Golf Club Milano

Milano Golf Club is located inside the Royal Park of Monza, which is a huge 700-hectare woods that keeps the course feeling private and quiet. It was built in 1928 by James Peter Gannon and is still considered one of the top spots in the country.

There are 27 holes here, split into three nines. The first and second courses are the most famous because they’ve hosted the Italian Open six times. They’re classic layouts, but if you want something more punishing, the third nine is the way to go. It’s a bit of a ball-striker’s nightmare, with a lot of bunkers and tight lines that force you to play strategically rather than just relying on distance.

4. Bogogno Golf Club

Location: Via San Isidoro, 1, 28010 Bogogno NO, Italy

Bogogno Golf Club

Bogogno is a newer club in Piedmont, but it’s already one of the best spots in the region. It’s essentially a massive sports resort, which is great if you want to do more than just play 18 holes. They have two main courses. The Bonora is the hilly one; it’s full of woods and natural streams. The Conte course is a bit flatter, but it’s packed with lakes that make it a technical challenge. If the weather is good, the views of Monte Rosa from the Conte are incredible.

The practice range is actually useful here, too, it’s divided into sections so you can work on specific parts of your game rather than just hitting into an open field. Since there’s a pool, tennis courts, and football pitches on-site, it’s a good place to stay for a few days if you’re traveling with people who aren’t as obsessed with golf as you are.

5. Circolo golf Torino la Mandria

Location: Via Agnelli, 40, 10070 Fiano TO, Italy

Circolo golf Torino la Mandria

Torino la Mandria is located right near the Reggia di Venaria in Piedmont. It was built in the 50s on old royal hunting grounds, and since it’s tucked away in a natural park, you don’t have to deal with any traffic noise or nearby buildings. It’s just woods and fairways.

There are two 18-hole courses here. The Blue Course is a bit easier and more approachable for most people. If you want a challenge, the Red Course is the one that actually tests your skill. The practice facilities are huge, the range can hold 200 players at once and has a covered section for when the weather turns. There’s also a 36-hole pitch and putt course, which is great for sharpening your short game without committing to a full round.

6. Golf Club Le Betulle

Location: Regione Valcarrozza, 2, 13887 Magnano BI, Italy

Golf Club Le Betulle

Le Betulle, located in the Biella province near Magnano, is famous for its English-style layout. It was built in the late 1950s by John Morrison and has hosted enough national championships to be considered one of the most prestigious courses in Italy. It’s a long track, nearly 6,500 meters, and it’s known for being a real test of skill.

The holes are lined with birch, oak, and chestnut trees, which gives it a very secluded, natural feel. There are also a few man-made lakes that come into play. What really sets the place apart is the vibe of the clubhouse and the on-site rooms. They’ve kept the original, old-school decor, so it feels a bit like stepping back into the 1960s. It’s a nice change of pace from the ultra-modern, corporate resorts you see elsewhere.

7. Golf Club Monticello

Location: Via Alessandro Volta, 63, 22070 Cassina Rizzardi CO, Italy

Golf Club Monticello

Monticello is one of Italy’s largest clubs, sitting right between Milan and Como. It’s a massive 36-hole facility that’s probably best known for its Red Course. That track is a beast at over 6,400 meters and has enough prestige to have hosted seven Italian Opens. If you’re looking for a challenge, the Blue Course is actually built to be the tougher of the two 18s. They also have a third “practice” course, which is a nice touch if you want to work on your game without the pressure of a full championship layout. Their Eagle Golf Academy is also a big draw, mostly because the instructors there are actually legitimate pros rather than just club staff.

8. Olgiata Golf Club

Location: L.go Olgiata, 15, 00123 Roma RM, Italy

Olgiata Golf Club

Olgiata is located on the outskirts of Rome, sitting right next to the ancient ruins of Veio. It’s been around since 1961 and is centered on the West Course, an 18-hole championship layout that’s hosted the Professional World Team Championships twice. It’s a proper old-school course, lots of mature trees and a design that rewards accuracy over raw power.

They also have a nine-hole East Course if you’re looking for a quicker round. In total, there are 27 holes here, all tucked into a dense pine forest. It’s one of the most scenic places to play in the country, and because it’s so close to Rome, it’s a good way to escape the city noise for a few hours. The woods keep the temperature down and the setting quiet, so it feels a lot more remote than it actually is.

9. Pevero Golf Club

Location: Via del Golf, 20, 07021 Porto Cervo SS, Italy

Pevero Golf Club

Pevero Golf Club is widely considered the best course in Sardinia. Built between the late 60s and early 70s on the Costa Smeralda, it’s a high-profile spot that hosted the Italian Open in ’78. The setting is the main draw; the holes are sandwiched between the Grande Pevero and Cala Volpe bays, so you have water views for most of the round.

It’s a standard 18-hole layout with a golf academy if you need a lesson. The real challenge here isn’t just the design, but the weather. Northern Sardinia is notoriously windy, and if the breeze picks up, it can completely change how the course plays. You’ll need to be able to control your ball flight, or the wind will pull your shots into the Mediterranean scrub pretty quickly.

10. Verdura Resort Golf Club

Location: S.S. 115, Km 131, 92019 Sciacca AG, Italy

Verdura Resort Golf Club

Verdura Resort is Sicily’s heavy hitter in the golf world. It’s currently ranked in the top 20 golf resorts globally, and it’s one of the few places in the country where the “luxury” label actually matches the quality of the courses.

The resort has two full 18-hole courses: the East and the West, plus a nine-hole par-3 course. The West Course is the standout because so many of its holes are built directly onto the coastline. The East Course is less about the beach and more about technical difficulty; it’s littered with bunkers and water hazards that force you to be precise. It isn’t a cheap place to play, but if you want to play a legitimate links-style course with a Mediterranean backdrop, this is the best option in Italy.

Why Golf in Italy?

Italy is an underrated pick for a golf trip because it doesn’t feel like a factory-produced golf destination. Most people travel there for the art and the food, but the golf is a great way to see the country’s landscape without the usual crowds.

The scenery is the first thing you notice. You’ve got everything from the hilly vineyards in Tuscany to the rugged, windy coastlines in Sicily. Because the geography is so varied, you aren’t stuck playing the same repetitive parkland layouts you find elsewhere in Europe. Every region has a different personality.

There’s also a level of history here that’s hard to beat. You might find yourself teeing off next to ancient ruins or playing through a park that used to be a royal hunting ground. It makes the round feel more significant than just chasing a score. Then there’s the post-round experience, Italian hospitality is legitimate. Instead of a generic clubhouse sandwich, you’re getting actual Italian cuisine and local wine. It’s a much more relaxed, indulgent way to travel, especially if you’re looking for a trip where the life around the golf is just as good as the game itself.

Conclusion

Finally, golfing in Italy provides the perfect opportunity to combine your passion for the sport with the chance to explore Italy’s famous cities, countryside, and coastlines. Whether you’re looking to sightsee, shop, or simply savor Italy’s culinary delights, your golfing trip can be enriched with countless other travel experiences.

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