The areas of Tuscany and Lazio are two of the most popular destinations among UK holidaymakers when visiting Italy and they are in line to become a real favourite among the UK golfer as well.
Million of tourists flock to the Italian regions each year to take in the historic and cultural delights of the likes of Florence, Pisa and, of course, Rome.
And, as you would expect, the quality of the golf courses in the areas matches anything to be found on the sightseeing trail.
Whether you want to play first-class 18 or nine-hole venues winding their way through a mixture of oak pines, olive groves, lakes and magnificent scenery, or even want to play a course in the crater of an extinct volcano, Tuscany, Lazio and its nearby neighbour Umbria has something to satisfy the appetite of the hungriest of golfers.
And if you move further afield, you will come across the region of Emilia Romagna, Italy's most popular golf destination to date with around 20 golf courses to choose from.
“We have a wonderful tradition and approach to golf in Italy that we are keen to educate the UK golf tourist about,” said Valerio Scoyni, director of ENIT, Italy’s national tourist board.
“We are very proud of our variety of golf courses. Some of them are up there with the best in Europe and we would like the British to appreciate and understand what we have to offer.”
Tuscany has nine 18-hole courses and six nine-hole layouts and playing golf in the region represents a journey back in time as the golfer wanders the fairways surrounded by historical buildings and ancient villas which are today the seat of important golf clubs.
Poggio dei Medici, in northern Tuscany near Florence, and Argentario golf clubs have both staged the Italian Ladies Open in recent years while Montecatini, Toscana and Punta Ala all offer perfect havens for the serious golfer.
The quality is just as high when you cross the border and venture south towards Rome with the Italian capital offering numerous beautiful courses that can be played all year thanks to the ideal climate of the city.
Le Querce, which has been compared favourably with Sunningdale and Wentworth, and Olgiata are regularly ranked in the top ten courses in the country and have both held the Italian Open.
Parco dei Medici has played host to the ladies‘ equivalent and, with its many water hazards, offers a test that will challenge the best of golfers.
Situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, Castelgandolfo offers you the chance to sample the unique experience of playing Robert Trent Jones’ course with the Pope’s summer residence overlooking you.
Further north, Emilia Romagna offers you the chance to mix a round or two of excellent golf with the opportunity to indulge in another passion with the motor museums of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Ducati within easy reach, while the courses at Perugia and Antognolla in Umbria are also well worth a visit.
Scoyni added: “I can’t think of a better place to come and enjoy great golf, great food and great culture than Italy – and in addition, we have a very good football league as well, so combining a golf trip with a match is an attractive thing to do as well.”
To enquire about a golf break or for further information on golf in Italy, please phone 020 7399 3550/7 or visit www.italiantouristboard.co.uk.
For more details about golf holidays in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, go to Italy Golf and More’s website www.italygolfandmore.com.
ENDS
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