Golf in Tuscany

The first Italian golf club was founded in Florence in 1889 by the local English community, and the club - Circolo Golf Ugolino - is still active today. Despite being a fairly recent addition to the Italian sports panorama, especially compared to the long Scottish tradition, the Italian golf scene has grown and evolved during the last decades.

The best example of Italian love for the sport and involvement in the golfing scene is that in 2023, the prestigious Ryder Cup took place in Rome, at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, marking a significant milestone for the Italian golf community. Adding to the experience, Italian golfers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari were vice-captains of the winning European Team.

Spanning from coastal to hilly landscapes, the Lucca and Pisa area offers numerous options for golfers seeking the perfect place to play. Please note that golf clubs in Tuscany are open all year round, although opening times might change seasonally and according to the weather.

Our top recommendations for the Lucca and Pisa area are:

• Versilia Golf Resort in Pietrasanta, nestled within a natural setting of extraordinary charm between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apuan Alps, welcomes golfers of all skill levels. This option is also great if part of your group wants to spend a day by the beach (in Forte dei Marmi or Pietrasanta) and you would like to play golf.
  Furthermore, it is conveniently accessible from Lucca just a 30-minute drive from the Lucca motorway entrance to the club.

• Golf Montecatini Terme is another great option midway between Lucca and Florence. Founded in 1982 by a dedicated group of golf enthusiasts, the course is in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by over 2000 olive trees. You will also find a wellness area and a swimming pool in the facility.

• Cosmopolitan Golf & Country Club is located on the Tirrenia coast within a protected natural area of the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Natural Park. It is easily accessible, just 17 km from the city centre of Pisa and approximately a 35-minute drive from Lucca.

• An honourable mention goes to Tirrenia Golf Club, situated in close proximity to the Cosmopolitan. This 9-hole course has earned recognition from Golf Digest, being awarded as the best in Italy within its category.
  

In this section, you will find all our top recommendations for golf clubs near Florence and Siena.

• The Firenze Ugolino Golf Club was born thanks to a passionate Florentine English community, which founded Italy's first 18-hole course in 1889 on the lands of the Demidoff Princes. The club relocated to its current location in 1939 and officially adopted the name Firenze Ugolino Golf Club. Although not long, the course is highly technical and seamlessly integrated with the gentle hills of the Chiantigiana road (that goes from Florence to Chianti), adorned with vineyards and olive groves.

• Le Pavoniere Golf Club is located just outside Prato, a short drive from the centre of Florence. This course, designed by the world-renowned player Arnold Palmer, is situated within a restored nineteenth-century villa on one of Leopoldo dei Medici's estates.

• Poggio Dei Medici Golf Club is located on the slopes of the Apennines, on the Mugello hills, surrounded by green valleys rich in native flora and fauna. The course can be reached from Florence in approximately 40 minutes by car. The course caters to players of all skill levels, with five distinct starting tees for each hole.

• Castelfalfi Golf Club features an exceptional 27-hole golf course (comprising 18 holes and an additional 9-hole course), both offering unique challenges and providing golfers with striking views of the Tuscan countryside. The clubhouse is an elegant and inviting space where golfers can unwind, and the resort also offers a curated spa. Castelfalfi Golf Club is conveniently located midway between Tuscany's main attractions.

• Royal Golf La Bagnaia is situated in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, only 17 kilometres from Siena. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., known for his ability to integrate golf courses with their natural surroundings seamlessly. The Clubhouse was originally an ancient brick factory, which has been completely renovated.

• Montelupo Golf Club is located in Montelupo Fiorentino, between Florence and Pisa. It currently offers 14 holes on flat terrain along the Arno River. The course provides ample practice areas and is suitable for beginners. We recommend trying the clubhouse restaurant.
  

Maremma is a region of Tuscany with a distinctive flavour, known and appreciated for its wild nature, rich historical heritage, and clear sea. Within this backdrop, you'll find some of the most picturesque golf courses in the region.

• The Terme di Saturnia Golf Club is a captivating golf destination located in the heart of the Maremma region. It is renowned for its remarkable golf course and its proximity to the world-famous Terme di Saturnia hot springs, where the beauty of the Tuscan landscape and the allure of natural hot springs come together.

• Golf Club Punta Ala is a prestigious golf destination situated in the captivating coastal town of Punta Ala. Here, golfers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the surrounding pine forests, and the charming harbour. The course is characterised by well-maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards, creating a dynamic and enjoyable golfing experience suitable for players of different skill levels.

• Pelagone is located in Gavorrano, nestled amidst the olive trees and cypresses of Maremma. The course may not be expansive, but it demands precision from players, given that numerous water hazards can challenge less experienced golfers. Particularly noteworthy is the 18th hole, where you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the island of Elba and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

• Argentario Golf Club is situated in a protected natural area, just five minutes from the Feniglia Dune Nature Reserve. The Orbetello Lagoon, the sea, and the beautiful Monte Argentario provide golfers with a unique panorama. The course is diverse, spectacular, and challenging from a technical perspective.
  

As we conclude our exploration of the exceptional golf clubs in the region, it becomes evident that Tuscany, a place where art, history, and nature seamlessly blend, provides a golfing experience unlike any other. When planning your golf tour during your holiday, do not hesitate to contact the Salogi Team  for additional tips, such as great restaurants close to the golf club, activities in the area for non-players within your group, etc.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to play in one of these beautiful golf clubs. Browse our website and find the perfect villa to rent in Tuscany.