Rome needs no introduction as one of the world’s great tourist destinations.  It’s a must visit for anyone interested in the history of the world.

However, until recently, Rome hasn’t necessarily been on the radar for golfers.

The Italian Golf Federation decided that needed to change when it threw its hat in the ring to host the Ryder Cup.

The event, held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, attracted over 270,000 fans and it generated huge engagement on social media.

The facility itself is located a mere 30 minutes from the historical center of Rome.

Lazio

Marco Simone GC

Rome is located in Lazio, one of the twenty regions of Italy.   It stretches 75 miles to Gaeta in the south along the coast and to about 70 miles to the north of Rome.

In between are numerous small towns that are worth a day trip.  Among the more popular of these towns are Trevignano Romano along the north side of Lago Di Bracciano, and Bolsena, along the north side of Lago Di Bolsena.

While these towns are popular among Italian vacationers, they are not well-known among tourists.  Therefore, they are perfect for getaways from the crowds in Rome.

In addition to Marco Simone, two other golf courses worth a visit are Olgiata Golf Club, located about ten miles north of the Rome Historic Center, and Golf Nazionale, located about 22 miles north of Rome and a few miles north of Lago Di Bracciano.

Umbria

Perugia

Umbria is a smaller region located to the northeast of Lazio, but it is not to be discounted.  The capital and largest city of Umbria is Perugia, located about 100 miles north of Rome.

Perugia is a university town, and a well-known cultural and artistic center of Italy, known for a number of festivals held throughout the year.

To the northwest of Perugia is Lago Di Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake by surface area in all of Italy.  Similar to the more famous lakes in the north, Lago Di Trasimeno is surrounded by quaint towns that contain medieval castles and castle ruins.

And, within Umbria is a gem of a golf course, Antognolla Golf Club, regarded as one of the best in all of Italy.  The club hosted the 2019 Italian PGA Championship, and it is located about seven miles east of Lago Di Trasimeno.

Final Thoughts

Any first trip to Italy should include Rome.   You’ll want to spend a solid three days in Rome to have time to hit the major sites and play some golf.   You will then want to venture outside of Rome to check out some of the beautiful small towns to the north.

If your trip will be for a week or less, a great itinerary would include three or four days in Rome with rounds of golf at Marco Simone and Olgiata, a few days spent strolling around the towns surrounding Lago Di Trasimeno and through Perugia and a round of golf at Antognolla.

A longer trip should then include Tuscany, where you will find more great golf, and of course, the magnificent city of Florence.