Lists of “best” golf courses are always subjective. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d do some research and come up with a consensus top ten best golf courses in Italy, which you can actually play.
Let’s get to it!
Circolo Del Golf di Roma Aquasanta
Number 10 – Roma Aquasanta
Circolo Del Golf Roma Aquasanta is the oldest course in Italy, first established as a nine hole facility in 1903. It is now a somewhat short, 18 hole golf course, but it is located about three miles from the Colosseum.
This is a parkland style course with rolling terrain, that results in some spectacular views from some of the elevated tees.
Marco Simone GC
Number 9 – Marco Simone Golf Club
Host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, Marco Simone is located about thirty minutes from the historic center in Rome, and as a result, must be on th bucket list of any golfer traveling here.
The course was originally designed by Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane, and hosted the Italian Open in 1994.
It was completely renovated in order to host the Ryder Cup. The course is now noted for its demanding greens and a strong finishing few holes.
Olgiata Golf Club
Number 8 – Olgiata Golf Club – West
Heading back to Rome, we find Olgiata Golf Club, located about ten miles northwest of Rome. The course was originally designed by Ken Cotton and opened in 1961. The Italian Open was held here in 2002, and then the course was subsequently renovated by Jim Fazio.
There are 27 holes on the property, and the full 18 is designated as the West course.
Circolo Golf Torino
Number 7 – Circolo Golf Torino – Blue Course
Located within a lowland forest about ten miles north of Turin, Circolo Golf Torino offers 36 holes, which include the Blue course and Yellow course.
The Blue course is regarded as the best of the two layouts, and is also considered among the best in Europe.
Biella Le Betulle
Number 6 – Biella Le Betulle
This is another facility located near Turin, about 32 miles to the northeast. Biella Le Betulle is a parkland style course that opened in the late 1950s.
Designed by English architect John Morrison, the course exploits beautiful views of the nearby landscape.
Bognogno Golf Resort
Number 5 – Bognogno Golf Resort
The Bognogno Golf Resort is located about 33 miles northwest of downtown Milan. There are 36 holes here designed by Robert Von Hagge, and both are viewed as strong layouts.
This property offers a hotel, spa, pool, gym, restaurant and bar.
Verdura Resort
Number 4 – Verdura Resort – East Course
The Verdura Resort is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for golf enthusiasts in Europe. Located on the west coast of Sicily, the property offers 45 holes altogether, and both the East and West courses are well regarded.
The property offers the full resort experience, with a hotel, pool, spa, etc.
Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Number 3 – Royal Golf La Bagnaia
Royal Golf La Bagnaia is widely regarded as the best course in Tuscany. The facility is located just to the south of Siena and nearly forty miles south of Florence.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course is noted for its outstanding views of the Tuscan countryside. Royal Golf La Bagnaia was ranked the number one course in Italy at the World Golf Awards in 2023.
Villa D’Este
Number 2 – Circolo Golf Villa D’Este
Even though this course has a par of 69, Villa D’Este, located in the Lombardy region, just to the south of Lake Como, is consistently rated among the elite courses in Italy, and all of Europe.
Founded in 1926, this is a traditional parkland course that is noted for its superb conditioning and a fabulous clubhouse that overlooks several of the holes.
Royal Park I Roveri
Number 1 – Royal Park I Roveri
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Royal Park I Roveri the club opened in 1972 by the Agnelli family founders of the Fiat car company and majority investors in the Juventus football club. It is located ten miles northwest of downtown Turin.
While it is a private club, its doors are open to overseas travelers and the greens fees are quite reasonable at less than $200 on the weekend.
Final Thoughts
Top ten rankings are always subject to change, but these courses consistently show up on most lists of the best golf courses in Italy. Therefore, you can’t go wrong including any of these in a golf trip to the different regions of Italy.
