Although not well-known to the British public as a golf destination, you will be hearing a lot more about Italy as it is benefitting from substantial investment over the coming years from Tourist Boards purely to promote golf. With 269 golf courses (6th largest in Europe) of which some are designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Robert Von Hagge, why isn’t Italy more popular, especially given the allure of the other Italian traits such as great gastronomy, the relaxed lifestyle and the warm weather amongst others?

It so happened that this April, I was able to experience first-hand what the country had to offer when I found myself in the beautiful region of Emilia Romagna (just above half way up the boot for those whose geography isn’t the best). Emilia Romagna is one of our best-selling destinations in Italy and the region runs from Parma in the north-west, through Modena and Bologna down to Rimini on the Adriatic coast in the east.

Having arrived in the region famous for Ferraris & Lamborghinis, my hire car was a Fiat Panda. Undeterred, my first stop was to visit the two golf courses of Modena and Bologna. Within easy drive of Bologna, both these courses are must plays when visiting. Modena Golf Club in particular was very impressive, with carpet fairways, lightning greens and a large welcoming clubhouse with sun-soaked terraces. However, without question, the pasta lunch I had at Bologna Golf Club was superb - ravioli filled with crab and basil, topped with squid and a dressing and of course, a glass of deep red Chianti… divine.

My hotel was the Savoia Regency, a 4 star located just 10 minutes drive outside the Bologna town centre. The hotel is perfect as it is conveniently based near the motorway, easy when driving out to the golf courses, there is a large bar area and it is quick, easy and cheap to grab a taxi into town. If you are a group, the Bologna town centre itself is fantastic; both vibrant and charming with ample choice of bars and restaurants – I will definitely be going back with my golfing group.

Savoia Regency 4*                                                                   Riviera Golf Resort 4*

Just over an hour’s drive towards the coast is the vibrant town of Milano Marittima. This trendy town has bars, restaurants, long beaches, tree-lined avenues and superb golf at the Adriatic Golf Club with 27 holes onsite. This area is also within easy reach of one of Italy’s newest golf resorts, the ultra-modern Riviera Golf Resort, just south of Rimini.

For those looking for a bit of culture, or, if you ever wondered who that team was who always lose their football matches, well the Republic of San Marino is very close to Rimini and well worth a visit. It is a one of the smallest countries in Europe with officially the smallest population, and the country is essentially built around a mountain, upon which the capital city, the City of San Marino, is based. With stunning views, it is definitely worth the detour.

Modena Golf Club                                                          Adriatic Golf Club

 All in all, Italy has some stunning destinations but Emilia Romagna would certainly be one I would recommend for a first visit. With good golf courses, an established infrastructure, large towns for the evening’s entertainment, coastal locations, cheap flights and really good crab ravioli, I thoroughly recommend you make this your first taste of golf in Italy.