RYDER CUP 2023 – Nine Italian regions to play on your next golf getaway

WITH the 2023 Ryder Cup teeing off in less than 12 months, Italy is finally taking its seat at the table alongside some of the world’s most iconic golfing destinations … and rightly so. 

With more than 400 golf courses and almost 150 championship courses country-wide, Italy’s reputation among the golfing elite is well and truly on the rise. 

To support the continued growth of sporting and event tourism in the region, golf tourism initiative Italy Golf & More is grouping together the country’s golf tourism facilities to attract golf enthusiasts from around the world and promote both Italy’s diverse golf offering, as well as its incredible culture, beaches, natural beauty, fashion, wellness activities and fabulous food. 

With many of the country’s golf courses enjoying picturesque settings, and accommodation ranging from dedicated golf resorts to boutique lodges, historic estates and contemporary hotels, Italy is making its mark as a dreamy holiday destination for golf fans … and their families. 

Friuli Venezia Giulia

There are six18-hole golf courses in Friuli Venezia Giulia, all within relatively close proximity, offering unparalleled choice for those keen to enjoy the challenge of a number of distinctive courses from a central location.

Located just a few minutes from the Slovenian border, Trieste Golf Club overlooks the Gulf of Trieste. A 5,810-metre course with an overall par 70, the fairways are perfectly positioned between the steep hills of the Karst plateau and surrounded by oak and Mediterranean fir trees. 

Players may find the 17th hole a little distracting, with its green appearing to hang precariously over the sea, showcasing sweeping views from the Lagoon of Grado to the Istrian Coast. A word of warning – technique, precision and concentration are critical on the narrower holes which are full of traps and tricky roughs, especially when the Bora wind blows in from the Gulf, challenging even the most skilled of players.

Emilia Romagna

With 25 golf courses to choose from, including nine, 18 and 27-hole options traversing terrain from Rimini to Piacenza, the Emilia Romagna region has playing options for everyone from beginners to professionals. 

The area around Parma and Piacenza is a fantastic area to discover five golf courses and explore local attractions, including Piacenza castles and the university town of Parma, the home of Prosciutto ham and Parmesan cheese – a prime example of the Emilia Romagna’s longstanding reputation as the foodie heart of Italy. Tee off at the La Rocca course at Golf Del Ducato, then enjoy a first-class parmigiano Reggiano in the acclaimed club restaurant.

Other towns with excellent golf facilities including Bologna, Modena, Ferrara, and Ravenna, all of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites thanks to their well-preserved architecture and art collections, ensuring there is plenty to occupy both players and their family and friends when not on the fairways. 

Beach lovers will love the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia which is minutes from the seaside and the Adriatic Coast’s famed azure waters and rustic restaurants serving up the region’s superb seafood. 

Lazio

With 14 golf courses, players of all skill levels will find a course that suits them in Lazio, the Region of Rome, and none is more well-kept than the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, the eagerly anticipated home of the Ryder Cup in 2023, the renowned tournament which has seen Europe and the United States face off since 1927. 

With its spectacular scenery and challenging technical features, the course itself is considered a national monument. Occupying an area of 110 hectares dominated by the castle of Duke Francesco Cesi, there are two courses on site, the championship 18-hole course with a high degree of technical difficulty, and the nine-hole resort course. 

Whilst in the area, don’t miss the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Villa Tivoli, a stunning spot to stroll around and unwind in between rounds. 

Lombardy

Combining magnificent golf courses with a vibrant cultural scene and breathtaking natural beauty, there’s something to satisfy every kind of traveller in Lombardy. Numerous courses in this region enjoy extraordinary views, and several are situated near some of the area’s cultural icons and popular food and wine destinations, making it easy to follow a round of golf with a delectable dinner and glass of local Franciacorta. 

Begin your journey through the various golf courses of Lombardy at the clubhouses of Milan, before having a hit at one of the exclusive clubs on the shores of Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, surrounded by blooming flowers and glorious gardens. 

The Mediterranean micro-climate around Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, makes it ideal for all-season golfers, since the greens are open all year round. 

Those who enjoy first-class facilities should consider resorts such as Palazzo Arzaga in Calvagese della Riviera or Chervò Golf Hotel Spa and Resort San Vigilio whilst luxury lovers looking for a home away from home in the Lake Como region will fall in love with the impeccable service and surrounds of Villa d’Este in Cernobbio. 

Piemonte

Ranked second in all of Italy for its sheer number of golf courses, Piemonte offers golfers a choice between mountain scenery at Europe’s highest golf course, Sestriere, with an altitude of 2,035 metres, several courses located
amongst the UNESCO World Heritage-listed
hills of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, or
courses in Alessandria and around the Novara plain. 

From taking a swing in astonishing parks moments from the heart of Turin, to playing in the delightful Biella countryside, or near tranquil Lake Maggiore, it’s no surprise Piedmont is home to five of the Top 10 golf courses ranked by the prestigious Italy Top 4 Golf magazine. 

Away from the green, Piemonte is renowned for its tasty local cuisine, world-class truffles, full-bodied wines, cultural events, historic hilltop villages and a growing number of wellness activities and retreats.

Sardinia

A long-time magnet for travellers, the idyllic island of Sardinia enjoys a mild climate, warm hospitality, deep-rooted ancient traditions and striking landscapes, making it a favourite for players keen to combine their passion for golf with an iconic Italian holiday.

The Is Molas Golf Club in Santa Margherita di Pula, the largest course on the island, offers splendid gardens and sea views from a location just minutes from pristine beaches and the picturesque town of Pula. The Sardinian capital, Cagliari, is just 30 kilometres away.

Featuring 27 holes, plenty of swaying Palm trees, Mediterranean scrub and American-style greens and bunkers – the generous fairways are forgiving for those who slice the ball.

Sicily

A dry climate and beautiful landscapes make Sicily the ideal Italian location to practice your swing. For a truly unique playing experience, tee off at the 5,870-metre Il Picciolo in Castiglione di Sicilia, the first Sicilian golf course featuring 18 holes carved into volcanic rocks with views of imposing Mount Etna. 

Adjacent to the golf club, visitors can enjoy a resort complex with a luxury spa, gym, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam bath and seven rooms offering a full suite of massage therapies and treatments. 

Wine lovers and foodies can explore the region’s renowned ‘wine trails’ or join a traditional cooking class to hone their skills in one of Sicily’s cooking schools or in-restaurant workshops. 

The Monasteri Golf resort is located between the ancient city of Syracuse and the famous Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque. Set amongst aromatic citrus trees with the scent of laurel and myrtle on the wine, this 18-hole golf course with a par of 71 extends for 6,520 metres through a plantation of oranges and lemons. 

Tuscany

Tuscany is home to an array of elegant golf courses scattered throughout its rolling hills, with mild weather and unforgettable
vistas making it a popular choice for golfing holidays. 

Since Italy’s very first modern golf course was established just outside Florence by the British community back in 1889, 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 is little wonder Tuscany is as popular with golfing companions as it is with players. 

Veneto

Located in the North East of Italy, the region of Veneto stretches from the magnificent Dolomite Mountains right to the shoreline of the Adriatic Sea. It is famed for its historic cities of Venice, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso, Verona. 

Named ‘Best Undiscovered Golf Destination in the World 2103’, with its perfect golfing weather from March until October, it is the ideal short-haul escape for golfers. 

Birthplace and golf breeding ground of Matteo Manassero, the European Tour’s youngest ever winner, the region has previously played host to the Italian Open and is renowned for its historic courses with spectacular designs, views to die for, luxurious clubhouses and unrivalled hospitality. Veneto and its golf can be split into four varied areas.