A Golfing Holiday in Italy.

Italy isn’t really considered as a top golfing destination. In actual fact it is home to a whopping 270 golf courses across the country. With such a large range of courses on offer, you’ll be sure to find some turf to test you. Here we discuss two of our favourite resorts for a golfing holiday.

Poggio dei Medici

If you’re looking for an Italian escape to a sophisticated, world-class golf course then start at Poggio dei Medici in Florence; not only does it offer a championship course and 16th Century Club House but also boasts an abundance of idyllic Tuscan scenery.

The 18 hole, par 73 course was designed by two esteemed Italian architects and proves to be perfect for several rounds of challenging and enjoyable golf. Creating a reputation on an international scale as one of the finest golf courses in Italy, you simply must visit here. If not for a full weekend break then just to play a few rounds during a day of your holiday.

Other top sights in Florence

When you’ve worn out the golfing greens why not head into Florence itself? It’s steeped in history and culture. Take a tour of the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is the main Franciscan church within Florence. It’s the final resting place of some of the most distinguished Italians, such as Michelangelo and Galileo. View some of Michelangelo’s work in the Galleria dell’Accademia, most notably, the sculpture of David. At an impressive 16 foot high, it is an artistic classic not to be missed. See if you can spot something unusual about the face.

Retail therapy?

If you are on a golfing holiday with your partner, but you’re not a fan yourself, why not hit the shops? Either head straight to the luxury boutiques on Via Tornabuoni to indulge in a little something special from Gucci or Prada. If you’re not feeling that flush, then it’s still amazing to browse. When you’re done, head along to the antique shops that provide a charming display of collectables and even Renaissance pieces.

If you’re not staying at the Poggio dei Medici, make full use of your hire car and see the sights and travel to and from the green, even a short drive will give you a stunning view of this picturesque location.

Garda Golf Club

If you want to combine just as much culture as golf with your escape then you must head to Verona. The Garda Golf club covers the sporting aspect. Once you’ve settled into a few rounds, you’ll soon see what this illustrious club has to offer. Golfing is the perfect way to complement your holiday in Verona and with the world-class services here you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Human intervention with the landscape has remained at a minimum, meaning you’ll be playing golf on a course designed by nature. This presents the best challenges; offering an attractive course from both a cosmetic and technical point of view. Why not enjoy an 18 hole round in low season for just €60? Considered one of the best golf courses by professionals, you would be playing a round over 110 hectares of land stretching through Rocca di Manerba and the Valtenesi hills. Just think of the sights you can take in while you’re playing.

Wind down after the game

After the game, why not round off the evening in the Garda Golf restaurant to satisfy your hard earned appetite? It combines indoor and outdoor dining enabling you to really appreciate your surroundings. Offering traditional dishes that offer a contemporary twist, you’ll be sure to find something delicious.

Outside of golf

If some of you don’t fancy the golf, why not head in to Verona? Synonymous with Romeo and Juliet you can visit the legendary house that is said to be the basis of the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s classic. If you can find the space then why not leave Juliet a love note? Although the characters are fictional, this is a sight that is always jam-packed with tourists!

Obviously Verona has a lot more to offer, so head along to the Arena, which is the third-largest surviving amphitheatre (although it’s crumbling a little on the outside) and is still a stunning sight to behold. After a hard day’s round of golf, come to see a classic Italian Opera.

If you are looking for a resort that’s perfect for golf then head to Italy, you’ll be thrilled with the courses on offer and as they’re aimed at intermediate and above players. Come here for a relaxing round or two and really appreciate why golf is such an excellent sport.