Destination: Northern Italy

Northern Italy has long been a firm favourite for holidaymakers, thanks principally to its cultural significance, its series of quaint, cobbled and historical towns and cities and its wonderful and diverse selection of locally produced food. The quality and pace of life in Northern Italy is unrivalled in Europe, and, as such, it makes an ideal location for the more upmarket golfing holiday. Indeed, the region of Emilia-Romagna, which includes the cities of Parma, Bologna, and the lively coastal resorts of Rimini and Riccione, has one of the highest GDPs per capita in Europe, and that is reflected in every sphere of life.

Climate and Georgraphy

Northern Italy comprises eight regions split into 46 provinces, and is known colloquially as ‘Alta Italia.’ Two thirds of all the country’s golf courses are located in the North, which boasts more than 240 golf facilities, ranging from the timeless layouts of the 1920s to modern, renowned architect-designed classics that have already earned international recognition.

A large number of these courses are set in areas with majestic backdrops. The North East and North West of the country, which includes the regions of Veneto and Lombardy, is mainly laid out over the fertile basin of the Po River. This extends from the foot of the Apennines to that of the Alps, with valleys and slopes on both sides of the basin. As such, courses are either located on the flatlands with striking views of the mountainous terrain, or amidst the trees and dense forestland that populates areas of higher altitude. What’s more, a number of courses have also sprung up around coastal areas, where the Po and the Adage converge with the Adriatic Sea.

Aside from diversity, tranquillity and sheer beauty, the climate of Northern Italy is also a major pull factor, especially during the spring and summer. Granted, snow can often appear in the depths of winter, and thunderstorms aren’t uncommon during the summer, but average temperatures of 80 degrees are more than enough to offset that. Temperatures in July can often reach 95 degrees, but the more affable spring conditions are often a draw. Sitting back after your round, with sun glinting off lakes and mountaintops, is a sight to behold.   

Golf

With such a diverse range of golf courses in Northern Italy, choosing where to play can be a challenge it itself. But in truth, wherever you play, you’ll find quaint, perfectly manicured courses with tremendous vistas and a challenging selection of holes.

Arguably the best course in Northern Italy is Royal Park I Roveri, which is located inside the Parco Regional della Mandria near Turin. Its pedigree is highlighted by the fact it’s the current host of the European Tour’s Italian Open. The Parco Regional was a 16th century hunting estate, and now plays a role as one of Turin’s main conservation areas.

As such, the course runs through trees and around a significant number of water hazards that combine to make it a very difficult test. As with most Robert Trent Jones tracks, bunkers are strategically positioned on every hole, and the large, tiered putting surfaces ensure three putting is a distinct possibility on every hole. As you might expect, the course is long from the back tees, but the magnificent views of the Alps, coupled with the serene setting, ensure you’ll only come away with positive memories.

A few hours south east of Turin lies Bologna Golf Club, indisputably one of the finest tracks in the Emilia Romagna region. It was designed by Henry Cotton and John Harris, and Peter Alliss made some modifications in 2000. It is a tight, tree-lined track that flows effortlessly over gently sloping, woodland-laden terrain. Huge efforts have been made to preserve the natural character of the landscape, and the result is a beautifully natural track that offers superb views over the inimitable Bologna countryside.

The course has played host to numerous professional tournaments, and Bologna has also staged the Italian Amateur Championship on several occasions. Driving the ball in the fairway is the secret to scoring well here, as highlighted by the signature eighth hole, which is as spectacular as it is daunting. Drives are hit over the course’s only lake, leaving a long, uphill approach to a two-tiered green that’s protected by sand and shrubbery.

Le Fonti Golf Club, also in Bologna, is a genuine rival to its neighbour. The perfectly manicured course is characterised by flawless fairways and greens, and significant amounts of water. It is more sparsely populated, in terms of trees and shrubbery, than Bologna Golf Club, but ponds and lakes come into play on 14 of the 18 holes. Arguably the best hole on the course is the par-3 12th, which is Le Fonti’s answer to the 17th at Sawgrass.  It plays almost 200 yards from the back tees, and long irons must fly over two huge lakes to land on an island green.

These three golf clubs are just the tip of the iceberg, and it’s difficult to convey how abundant quality golf courses are in Northern Italy. The likes of Modena Golf and Country Club, Biella and Villa d’Este all deserve a mention, but the truth is the same statement can be applied to hundreds of courses in the region.

Off course

Off course, there is so much to do and see. Cities like Parma and Modena are filled with Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, and Bologna University is one of the first higher education establishments in the world. The North West is home to the Italian Riviera, Genoa - Italy’s largest port - and beautiful landscapes like Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, while the North East boasts the striking Dolomites Mountains, delightful roofscaped cities like Verona and the gastronomy of Bologna – famed for pasta dishes like tortellini, lasagne and tagliatelle.

These are just a few of the attractions of Northern Italy, and wherever you chose to go, you’ll be afforded a warm welcome and presented with championship-quality golf, blissful scenery, fascinating culture and some of the finest food you’ll ever eat. Southern Spain is renowned for being the most popular continental European golfing destination, but Northern Italy offers a different experience that’s becoming more and more attractive to golfing tourists.