Is Italy now the most formidable location for golf in Europe?

Italian Golf offers so much more than just courses to play, with culture and food to remember for life

After a successful Ryder Cup, Italian Golf finds itself well within the view of the golfing world. Already known for its outstanding cuisine, we look at locations to get the most out of your visit to Italia

Italy is now one of the premier locations for golf in the world! Explore the regions that will take your breath away while playing Italian Golf, in association with Italy Golf & More in this advertisement feature.

Certainly leading up to the 2023 biennial tournament, Italian Golf was not the first thought in the minds of many around the world.

Architecture? Yes, of course. I dream of visiting Firenze and taking in the remarkable structure of Giotto’s Campanile or the beautiful façade of the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, walking along the streets once used by the likes of Machiavelli or Dante Alighieri.

Food and drink? Without a doubt! A hot afternoon in a Tuscan villa, under a canopy, with a cool Pinot Grigio may be as good as life gets. Or is it that moment in Emilia Romagna, the Food Valley, having a typical Piadina filled in so many different ways or tasting great quality wines such as Pignoletto Sangiovese and Lambrusco?

But the best thing about a trip to Italy may be about to change. With the fantastic display of Italian Golf at Marco Simone; the excitement of the golf course design, the high quality of the fairways and greens, and the stunning views of Rome in the background, the golfing world was let into an open secret – Italy may be one of the most exciting locations in Europe for golf in 2024!

For those golfers looking to combine luxury both on and off the course, Italian Golf offers so much. The facilities on offer throughout the country’s golf clubs are able to meet the highest of expectations, with beautiful setups available from the borders with the rest of Europe, down to the unforgettable coastlines of the south.

Away from the golf course, you can explore many incredible attractions. From the more obvious spots in Lazio, including the classical structures still standing from the Roman period, through to the mountain peaks in Lombardia, where you can practice your skiing technique between rounds that test your golf skills. Or if this excitement seems too much for you, you can always take your trip to the vineyards of the sun-soaked islands of Sicily or Sardegna, with a glass (or three, or four) of vino in hand, as you watch the waves of the Mediterranean softly lap at the bright white shores.

Piemonte

An unexpected experience

Golf in Piemonte

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Golf in Piemonte

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At the four poles of Piedmont, then, for lovers of wine tourism there is plenty of choice: wine tasting and food tasting become the keywords of an experience that entices the senses and palate in historic cafes, typical trattorias, farmhouses, and Michelin-starred restaurants, alongside a network of over 30,000 wineries and 15 regional wine bars.  
Tastings are the order of the day and offer a perfect way to venture into Piedmontese culture through food, which also includes 5 Wine Routes among beautiful landscapes, cities of art, and medieval villages. Piedmont is a renowned land of wines: from reds, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, Barbera, Ghemme, Gattinara and Brachetto d'Acqui, to whites: Roero Arneis, Gavi, Erbaluce, Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti. To date, a heritage of 19 DOCG and 41 DOC. 
 
Come and visit Piemonte, we are waiting for you! 
www.visitpiemonte.com

Lombardia

Hospitality among the lakes

Golf in Lombardia

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Golf in Lombardia

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Lombardy truly is a land of excellence. Along with highly technical golf courses, golfers can enjoy an incredible artistic heritage, beautiful landscapes, amazing shopping, and delicious food & wine. Some of the best golf courses of the region are located in Franciacorta and Lake Garda areas where there is no better way to end a round of golf than with a glass of great wine.  
 
https://www.in-lombardia.it/en 

Emilia Romagna

A dynamic mix of modern and classic

Golf in Emilia Romagna

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Golf in Emilia Romagna

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Ready to tee off your next Golf Holiday? Emilia Romagna offers golfing and eno-gastronomic experiences like no other. Picture yourself surrounded by lush green fairways, basking in the warm spring sun. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and indulge in the finest Italian cuisine and culture. After a day on the course, treat yourself to a glass of local wine and savour mouthwatering regional delicacies. Emilia-Romagna is not just a golf destination, it's a journey of discovery. 
 
www.emiliaromagnagolf.com
 

Toscana

Perfect for recharging your batteries

Golf in Toscana

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Golf in Toscana

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Tuscany has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, with courses found throughout the region.  
Le Pavoniere Golf and Country Club and Royal Golf La Bagnaia are among the region’s most elite courses, with scenery to match, while Terme di Saturnia Spa and Golf is a complete wellness retreat where guests can relax and recharge with world-class healthy cuisine and luxe spa treatments between rounds. Famed for its vineyards, history, art, culture, and culinary traditions, it’s little wonder Tuscany is as popular with golfing companions as it is with players.  
 
Explore golf in Tuscany 

Fruili Venezia Giulia

Flavours to amaze

Golf in Fruili Venezia Giulia

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Golf in Fruili Venezia Giulia

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Famous for the production of some of the world’s finest white wine, spending a few days exploring the wineries and indigenous grape varieties is one of the great pleasures that we highly recommend during a golf holiday in Friuli Venezia Giulia. 
Plan your tour through the Wine & Taste Route, from the mountains of Montasio cheese, through the gentle hills of Prosciutto di San Daniele, to the Wine & Taste Route of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Explore golf in Fruili Venezia Giulia

Sardegna

A place for the heart

Golf in Sardegna

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Golf in Sardegna

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A mild climate and warm hospitality, age-old traditions, and inimitable landscapes: this is the scenario of Sardinia's golf courses, places where you can combine sporting passion and charming holidays, in elegant atmospheres, amidst quality services, wellness centers, and delicious cuisine. In the North East lies the Costa Smeralda and Pevero Golf Club. In The West and the South Coasts, you'll find the Is Arenas Golf & Country Club, the Is Molas Club, and the Tanka Golf & Country Club.  
 
Explore golf in Sardegna 

Veneto

Discover the undiscovered

Golf in Veneto

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Golf in Veneto

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Veneto offers the perfect holiday for golf and wine enthusiasts. 25 golf courses located in areas stretching from the Dolomites to the sea and the Venice lagoon, from Lake Garda to the hills of Treviso, Vicenza, and Verona or the Euganean Hills, all renowned for their excellent wines: Prosecco, Amarone, Soave or Torcolato.  Book your stay and enjoy unforgettable moments playing golf and tasting the best wines of the region. 

Golf in Veneto 

Lazio

Eternal Wonders

Golf in Lazio

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Golf in Lazio

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Home to more than just the Eternal City of Rome, Lazio offers an exploration of the sights, sounds, and tastes of both modern and classical Italy. From the naturally boiling waters of the Caldara di Manzania to the man-made hermitage of San Cataldo in Cottanello, so much of Lazio is ready and waiting for you to enjoy.

Spending time in Roma is by no means wasted though, with the magnificent buildings of The Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Colosseum to gaze upon, the city has enough on it's own to explore for a lifetime. Home to the aforementioned Marco Simone, this course is in good company at the home of Popes and Emperors.

Explore golf in Lazio

Sicily

A unique feeling

Golf in Sicily

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Golf in Sicily

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With an increasing demand from holidaymakers for time away from crowded streets and daily stress, Sicily has become a location of choice for many. With the charm of the quiet villages dotted about the island, and the spirituality of the Sacred Paths made by pilgrims throughout the countryside and in the old-world towns, time spent in Sicily is sure to relax even the most tense of souls.

If you're in search of something livelier between your time on the course, Palermo offers some of the most entertaining arts and culture in Italy including the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in the country, and the famous ancient markets that offer some of the best street food in the world.

Explore golf in Sicily

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis Daff joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big box golf retail and independent stores, working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Titleist GT3 Driver (9º) with Fujikura Ventus Black, Titleist GT2 Fairway Wood (15º), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52º, 60º), Toulon San Diego Putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour Ball.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward or any other equipment you’d like to debate via his email.