Eight players, five days, four rounds of 18 holes: the real problem with a golf week among friends is not choosing the courses but getting everyone to tee off together. Here is how to plan a group trip with no surprises on the 1st tee.
A group golf week is almost always decided on the wrong things. People argue about which course is the most famous and leave for last the point that really makes the difference: how many players can tee off together, and when. Courses rarely publish their rules for groups; many do not even state their closing day. That is the part that needs organising.
Step 1: choose a base, not a tour
For a group, a single base is almost always better than a round of hotels: you unpack once and keep two or three courses a short drive away. A base with the course on site simplifies things even further: the Andreus Golf & Spa Resort, in the Passiria Valley, stands right on the Passeier.Meran course, and in Calvagese della Riviera the QC Grand Hotel Villa Arzaga sits on an estate with two courses (the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus II and the nine-hole Gary Player).
If the group would rather have a place with several courses nearby, Lake Garda offers many: Arzaga, Gardagolf in Soiano del Lago (27 holes, Italian Open in 1997, 2003 and 2018) and Chervò in Pozzolengo (36 holes, Italian Open in 2020). On Lake Maggiore, Villa e Palazzo Aminta in Stresa lists nine affiliated clubs and a concierge who books the green fees.
Step 2: count rounds, not days
The right number is one 18-hole round a day, with a free day every three or four. In a five-day week, that means four rounds: friends play better and the breaks are needed.
Step 3: book tee times as a group
For eight or twelve players, phone or write rather than relying only on online booking: many courses do not publish limits for groups. Things to ask, in order:
- How many consecutive tee times the group can have, and at what intervals.
- Handicap: Menaggio asks for an exact handicap, with the federation limit of 54; Pustertal, in South Tyrol, requires a valid membership card and a green card.
- Closing day: many clubs close on Monday; Brianza on Tuesday.
- Group or partner-hotel discounts: at Passeier.Meran guests of partner hotels get reductions; Gardagolf and Menaggio sell packages.
Step 4: budget with the real price list
| Course | 18-hole green fee | Year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombera (Castrezzato) | 35–50 euros | 2027 price list | 12 holes, relaxed round |
| Arzaga | 65–130 euros | 2026 | 65–80 low season, 110–130 high |
| Bogogno | 90–135 euros | 2026 | 36 holes, 115–135 in high season |
| Gardagolf | 100–160 euros | no year given | 10-round package 1,000 euros |
| Menaggio | 100–120 euros | current price list | six weekday green fees 400 euros |
On top of these come golf carts (from 25 to 60 euros a round depending on the course), trolleys and club hire. Multi-round packages pay off when you play at least four rounds: Gardagolf offers 10 rounds for 1,000 euros and 20 for 1,800, Menaggio six 18-hole green fees on weekdays for 400 euros.
Step 5: transfers and evenings
- One car for every four people, or a minibus: courses often have limited parking and transfers.
- Dinner in the clubhouse when the timing allows, to avoid going back to the hotel and returning.
- A rest day in midweek, perhaps in a city, spa or winery, rests aching backs and brings everyone back to the tee keener.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring price-list seasons: at Arzaga the 2026 high season runs from 16 March to 8 November, and a round costs 110–130 euros instead of 65–80.
- Leaving your handicap at home: at Menaggio you need the exact handicap.
- Trusting the website alone: for tee times and closing days, as with Rovedine or Alpino di Stresa, the website often says nothing. Call.
Frequently asked questions
How many rounds should you play in a week?+
Four 18-hole rounds in five days, with a rest day, is a pace groups sustain well.
Is a single hotel for the whole week a good idea?+
For a group, yes: you choose two or three courses a short drive away. With a hotel that has its own course, like the Andreus, transfers are reduced.
How much does a golf week with friends cost?+
It depends on courses and hotels: the price lists published by the clubs range from 35 euros (Colombera) to 160 euros (Gardagolf in high season) for 18 holes. The hotel cost must be added.
Do you need a handicap?+
It depends: Menaggio requires an exact handicap (limit 54), Pustertal a membership card and a green card. Other clubs do not state the limit.
How do you book for a group?+
By phoning the club office or writing to the club's address, asking for consecutive tee times and group rates.
Golf cart or trolley?+
A golf cart costs 25 to 60 euros a round, a trolley 5 euros for a manual one and 15 to 25 for an electric one: it depends on the terrain and the group.
