Best golf courses in Italy: Argentario, Marco Simone and more

Italy is a more than worthy substitute to Spain or Portugal, boasting some of the world’s best golf courses.

What’s not to like? Budget-friendly, a rich history, and amazing food. This has all the ingredients of a superb golf trip.

Of course, the stunning scenery only adds to the appeal in Italy.

So, here are some of our favourite venues…

• 6 of the best golf courses in Portugal

• 6 of the best golf courses in Spain

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Argentario Golf Club

Green fee: From €100

Argentario might be the best – if not, certainly one of – the best golf courses in Italy. The Tuscany track is the only PGA National Course in the country and is set to host the Italian Open in 2025. A five-star resort, it is guarded by the outstanding natural beauty of the Monte Argentario promontory and is world-class.

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Le Pavoniere

Green fee: From €75

Arnold Palmer captured the Tuscan spirit with his 18-hole course at Le Pavoniere. It’s like golf meets artwork, as the fairways swoop in and out of twisty bunkers, while the layout is flanked by an ancient park with a 19th century villa. The Tuscan Hills form an extraordinary backdrop, too.

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Marco Simone

Green fee: From €190

Unsurprisingly, the Ryder Cup venue is on the more expensive side. But for just that, it represents good value. The course has undergone a transformation in recent years and, if the greenkeepers really want to, the rough can get very nasty. The standout is the short 13th, with an incredible backdrop.

• 6 of the best golf courses in Turkey

• 5 of the best golf courses in Austria

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Antognolla Golf

Green fee: From €90

Nestled in the rolling Umbrian Hills, Antognolla has quickly become a must-play venue for golfers around the world. The Robert Trent Jones Jr design sits under the watchful eye of the Castello di Antognolla and is, in every sense of the phrase, a medieval 18-hole course.

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San Domenico Golf

Green fee: From €95

In the south of Italy, the Puglian countryside meets the Adriatic Sea, to form another remarkable scene for a round of golf. San Domenico offers a prestigious links course with gentle slopes, something a bit different to the golf scene here. Well worth your time – and money.