Emilia Romagna – A part of Italy well worth visiting

It seems every week there is a new up-and-coming golf destination appearing to much fanfare and promise. And yes, being an avid golf enthusiast, this is music to my ears. Who doesn’t like to see pristine pictures of multi-million pound golf course developments crafted into the landscape to create the next golfing masterpiece?

But it is very easy to get pulled along with all the media hype and forget about our already established golfing hot-spots as well as take an opportunity to re-discover others. One such area which I would like to highlight is the beautiful and historically rich region of Emilia Romagna in Northern Italy.

Italy is a ‘sleeping giant’ in golf tourism circles - the country is culturally rich, the gastronomy is world-renowned, the infrastructure is sound, it is easily accessible and there is a first-rate golf product. Yet for some reason, the British public seems oblivious to this and Italy continues to be overlooked for a golf holiday.

The region of Emilia Romagna runs from Rimini on the Adriatic Coast in the East, past the small enclave of San Marino, past the Imola racing track, through the university town of Bologna, past the super-car factories of Lamborghini and Maserati in Modena, all the way to Parma, home of Parma ham and Parmesan cheese.

But this whistle-stop tour doesn’t take into account the fine golfing product on offer. Starting just to the south of Rimini, this an ultra-modern looking golf complex which has recently extended from 9 to 18 holes and offers a collection of superb suites and a well-being centre.

Further up the Adriatic Coast is the lively resort of Milano-Marittima, a popular holiday destination for many Italians due to the immaculate long beaches and lively nightlife. Here is the Adriatic Golf Club, a 27-hole club set in pine woodland and weaving through salt lakes. This really is a great place to visit.

The highlight for me is the great city of Bologna, situated in the midpoint of the region. It is a charming city with a very walk-friendly town-centre filled with bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. The large central square, the Piazza Maggiore, is the vibrant heart of the city and a great spot from which to begin your evening.

The golf on offer is both challenging and contrasting. Bologna Golf Club is the closest to the town, with rolling hills and narrow fairways making this a great course to play. Le Fonti and Modena golf clubs are the other recommended courses, Le Fonti having a couple of large water features and being particularly long whilst Modena offers immaculate fairways and large undulating greens. Both have large, friendly clubhouses where a sun-soaked terrace and tasty lunch are the order of the day.

Further along into Parma, two particular courses are of note, the stunning Salsomaggiore Golf & Country Club, with its elevated greens and tee boxes and La Rocca Golf Club, just 25 minutes south of Parma and set within some impressive oak and acacia trees.

All in all, this region is well-worth a visit for your next golf trip. If you want to try something a little different Emilia Romagna is perfect. 

For more information and to play any of these courses please visit www.golfbreaks.com