Best golf courses in Italy

As the number one course in Italy, it is no wonder it hosted the European Tour’s Italian Open between 2009 and 2012. Embedded in the Alps, the parkland course has consistently been voted inside the top-3 courses in Italy since 1985 meaning you can be assured of a memorable round here. The 17th hole will, without a doubt, be the stand out hole as it has been awarded the “Best hole in Italy” by Gazzetta dello Sport. The 468-yard hole is flanked by trees, has a water hazard in front of the green and several bunkers, providing a stern test for every golfer.

Biella Golf Club, also known as Le Betulle, sits proudly at number two in the top-100 golf courses in Italy. You will find this course set in the charming countryside alongside the slopes of the Serra Moraine, with John Morrison’s design making the most of the natural landscape. A young Rory McIlroy won the European Amateur Championship here, shooting a course record 65 along the way. Measuring at 7,147-yards and with a par of 73, you will do well to match McIlroy’s feat here.

Another former Italian Open host sits at number-4 in the top-100 golf courses in Italy – Circolo Golf Villa d’Este. It has even seen Jose Maria Olazabal and Henrik Stenson win the International Championship as amateurs here. The course itself winds its way through pine, ash and chestnut trees, and even benefits from spectacular views across Lake Montorfano. Circolo Golf Villa d’Este certainly offers an unforgettable round of golf that will live long in the memory and leave you wanting to come back for more.

Home of the 2012 Sicilian Open, the East Course at Verdura Golf Club is one to cherish on the south-west coast of Sicily. The undulations throw golfers playing this course for the first time, as you really have to think about where you land your golf ball. The addition of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers mean this course really does take no prisoners. The constant mental test is well worth it when you’re stood on the elevated 18th tee taking in the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Typical of the Ticino natural park that Bogogno Golf Resort is situated in, the Bonora Course is set out across a large hill, with numerous untouched streams and woods creating a pleasant but testing round of golf. Course management is key here if you are to score well, otherwise, you may find yourself in deep bunkers, thick rough or, even worse, a water hazard. It is understandable as to why this course is ranked at number eight in the top-100 golf courses in Italy.

Offering 18-holes of pure emotion, Royal Golf La Bagnaia was renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr’s first design in Tuscany. Harmonised with the gently rolling hills of Siena, the landscape of this course is typical of an inland links, with rough that waves in the wind. It is further enhanced by stunning lakes, and the majestic clubhouse overlooks the testing 18-holes.

Garda Golf & Country Club is nestled deep within the Vatenesi Hills, offers golfers scenic views across the 27-holes of golf on offer. Home to the European Tour’s Italian Open, the course offers varying nines that feature water-hazards, greens burrowed in a natural amphitheatre of olive trees and numerous strategically placed bunkers. This really is a stunning place to play golf above the shores of Lake Garda.

Located on the West coast of Sardinia is Is Arenas and its 6,867-yards of golf. The golfer who is strategic will score well here, as you make your way through an undulating, large forest surrounded by tranquillity and untouched nature. The 16th hole can make or break your round, as the long par-4 has water to the left-hand side, right on the landing distance for most amateur golfers, followed by a lengthy approach shot. However, the 5* Is Arenas Resort is conveniently a short walk away so you are not far from relaxation after your round.

Designed by Franco Piras, the Links course at Donnafugata Golf Resort stretches out over two valleys, each with a lake to add to the overall challenge. Its idyllic layout blends perfectly with the nature reserve, the sea and the island of Malta on the horizon, but don’t let this distract you from the Links’ challenge – especially when the dominant wind from the sea blows.