GOLF, ITALIAN STYLE

THE RYDER CUP IS COMING TO ITALY. A COUNTRY WITH A SURPRISING NUMBER OF UNFORGETTABLE GOLF COURSES. HERE ARE THE BEST

- LARRY OLMSTED

As the old saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome,” and for golf fans, all roads will lead to Rome’s Marco Simone Golf Club in September, where the Ryder Cup—postponed a year by the pandemic—will be contested in Italy for the first time in history. But after the big spectacle, many golfers might find themselves on roads of their own throughout Italy, as the spotlight by the international competition reveals what a surprisingly great destination it is for a golf vacation.

It’s no secret that Italy is beloved by travelers, consistently ranked the top dream destination for Americans in poll after poll. When travel resumed after lockdowns, Venice became arguably the most desirable vacation spot on Earth, and last summer much of Italy—especially perennial hotspots Tuscany, Rome, Sicily and the AmalfiCoast—saw record tourism. What remains a well-kept secret is Italy’s golf scene. The key is that nearly all of the country’s best courses are at world-class resorts, which are spread all around the nation on properties that will impress even nongolfing partners.

Italy is flush with tourist appeal, from rich history to a jaw-dropping coastline and stunning food. All of this pairs perfectly with golf. As a round takes about four hours it can easily be enjoyed before a long lunch, leaving most of the day free to enjoy all the wondrous things people envision when they dream of Italy, from visiting the Vatican to vineyard wine tastings to cooking classes, touring medieval villages or art museums, shopping for the latest international fashions, driving Ferraris and enjoying the incredible cuisine. Italy is the ultimate destination for a “golf plus” trip.