Golf

Golf in Italy: where to play, and when

Italy is still a well-kept secret for golfers, even though there are courses all over the country: on the shores of Lake Garda, around Rome, in Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia. And the best part comes after the round: dinner, wine, and a town that’s worth the trip on its own.

A golf trip to Italy also works for the whole group. While you play, the others can do the city, the beach or a winery.

Winter golf in Italy: November to March

When courses back home close for the season, or you just want somewhere new, southern Italy plays all winter. It’s not shorts weather, but it’s very comfortable in a long-sleeve shirt.

Average daily highs in January and February:

• Taormina: about 59 to 61 °F (15 to 16 °C)
• Palermo and Cagliari: about 57 to 59 °F (14 to 15 °C)
• Bari: about 55 °F (13 °C)
• Rome: about 54 to 55 °F (12 to 13 °C)

By March it’s already 61 to 63 °F (16 to 17 °C).

Best winter bases:

• Sicily: Verdura Golf Club on the south coast, and Picciolo Etna Golf near Taormina
• Puglia, the cheapest: San Domenico Golf between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, and Barialto near Bari, with green fees from about $45
• Sardinia: Is Molas and Tanka Golf Club near Cagliari
• Rome: golf and a city break on the same trip

The catch: winter days are short, and it can rain, so keep your tee times flexible. Some resorts slow down or close in winter, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda for example, so always check opening times before you book. On the bright side, flights are at their cheapest.

When to play

In the north, around Lake Garda and Milan, the best months are April to June and September to October. In the south, in Sicily, Puglia and Sardinia, you can play all winter. In July and August the heat makes a midday round tough everywhere, so tee off early.

Good to know

• Bring your handicap card. Most courses ask for proof of handicap, so bring your official handicap record
• Green fees vary a lot, from about $65 to well over $275 a round. The famous championship courses cost the most, like Marco Simone near Rome, host of the 2023 Ryder Cup
• Pick a base with options. Lake Garda, Rome, Milan and the Bari area all have several courses nearby, and plenty to do for the non-golfers
• Carts and rentals are usually available, but book them with your tee time
• How we chose: the courses are picked from reviews and golf course databases. We haven’t played them all ourselves

Courses by destination

Every destination page has its own golf section with a map. Here are all the courses in one place.

Northern Italy

Central Italy

Southern Italy

Sicily

Sardinia