With more than 20 courses, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is an ideal destination for both beginner and professional golfers alike. It also provides a rich cultural background to enjoy in-between rounds, meaning golfers can combine spa holidays, food and wine, and art on their trip. Here we take a look at eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy.
Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Ravenna
This charming 27-hole golf club (top picture) is located amongst pine forests and salt lakes, a setting of natural beauty just a short distance from the sea. Enjoy water obstacles and innovative design that guarantees enjoyment for golfer across all levels. Previously, the Italian PGA Championships have been held here on several occasions, the latest being held in 2019. The course is open all year round and includes great facilities such as a golf school, instructors, golf carts and three executive holes – all on-site. Nearby, you can find a variety of tourist “must-see” spots, such as the tomb of Italian poet, Dante Aligheri; and the natural Saline Reserve and Cervia Spa. emiliaromagnagolf.com/adriatic-golf-club-cervia
Rimini-Verucchio Golf Club, Rimini
The course, designed by American architect Brian M. Silva, extends over the lush green expanse of the green Valmarecchia Park. Surrounded by breath-taking views of the medieval boroughs of Verucchio, Torriana and San Leo, this course offers a perfect escape into the peaceful historic nature of Emilia Romagna. The club offers a diverse terrain, with bunkers and small lakes to satisfy all golf enthusiasts. Open 365 days a year, the club offers a practice range with 100 positions, including 25 under cover, directional greens, putting greens and more. Golfers can go on to discover local history at the Museum and Archaeological Excavations in Verucchio and the delightful town of Santarcangelo. emiliaromagnagolf.com/rimini-verucchio-golf-club
Argenta Golf Club, Ferrara
Argenta’s picturesque course features 18 holes and is located between Ferrara and Ravenna, just 40 minutes from the sea and an hour from Bologna. The course is surrounded by the Po Delta Regional Park, and close to the natural reserve Valle Santa, meeting the demands of sport, culture and gastronomy enthusiasts. The course itself offers a technical track with water hazards, low dunes and elevated teeing grounds. Enjoy touristic excursions such as Po River Delta and Comacchio, dubbed “little Venice” due to its dense network of canals. emiliaromagnagolf.com/argenta-golf-club
Golf Club Le Fonti, Bologna
Situated in the fascinating Sillaro Valley’s rolling hills, the golf course has an abundance of health and spa facilities where physical and mental wellbeing can be combined with the game of golf. Ideal for both professionals and first timers, the Le Fonti Golf Club has 18 holes with an extremely varied track offering the perfect balance. There are 25 open-air driving ranges and five covered stations to choose from. Visitors should also make sure to visit the thermal spa at Castel San Pietro, and indulge in some local food at FICO Eataly World, the world’s largest food-themed park. emiliaromagnagolf.com/golf-club-le-fonti
San Valentino Golf Club, Reggio Emilia
Sat 300 metres above sea level, within a valley in San Valentino, the course golf club boasts natural landscape and tall woodland. The 18-hole championship course is one of the most technical in Italy with an extremely hilly terrain and gentle height difference between holes. The fast greens are protected by bunkers and the fairway design offers golfers changing levels of difficulty. Between holes nine and 18 golfers can find the well-equipped club house that welcomes players and their guests to elegant and comfortable surroundings. This course is perfect for those willing to explore the cities of Reggio Emilia and Modena. emiliaromagnagolf.com/san-valentino-golf-club
Modena Golf and Country Club, Modena
Spread across 2.4 acres, this course is wide and green with smoothly winding fairways and large bunkers. The extra-large water hazards provide a suitable level of challenge for competitions such as the Italian Open, which celebrated its 50th edition there. Visitors can also find a driving range and two tennis courts, as well as a gourmet restaurant, located in the clubhouse, where fine local dishes can be enjoyed. Following a round of golf, visitors are also encouraged to take a trip to the Ferrari Formula 1 Museum in Maranello, where one can immersive in the rich history of Ferrari. In Modena, visit the Duomo and its famous “Ghirlandina” bell tower as well as the Salse di Nirano Regional Park. Guests can also explore some of the outstanding gourmet restaurants, which have turned the Modena province into one of the finest culinary destinations in the world. emiliaromagnagolf.com/modena-golf-country-club
Golf Club Castell’Arquato, Piacenza
The club stands at a point where the lush valleys around Piacenza meet the rolling hillsides of Parma. Set in 158 acres of countryside at about 220 metres above sea level, it is close to the beautiful mediaeval borough of Castell’Arquato and just a few kilometres from Piacenza. The golf club also boasts of a range of facilities, including massage rooms, practice course with two stations and meets multiple accessibility needs. Guests can continue their day after their game has ended by taking part in a selection of wine tours in the area, or indulge liberty style thermal spas in the town of Salsomaggiore to soak up the warm mineral-rich waters. emiliaromagnagolf.com/golf-club-castellarquato
Golf Del Ducato, Parma
La Rocca course at Gold Del Ducato stands at the heart of the “Food Valley”, where golf and gastronomy blend seamlessly. Just ten minutes from Parma, it stands amid oak woods, with small lakes and gentle rolling hills. The unforgettable views are paired with an extraordinary parkland of 18 holes and acacia trees. The club offers visitors a practice green, pitching green, gold academy and a nine-hole pitch and putt. Golf Del Ducato provides the chance to indulge in local specialities, in particular the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham. emiliaromagnagolf.com/golf-del-ducato
Top image: Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna, Emilia Romagna, Italy