At its last staging in Milan, in 2017, the Italian Open drew 73,000 spectators. The tournament changes venue every year, and the course that hosts it can almost always be played the next day.
The tournament that brings the biggest crowds to Italian fairways is the Italian Open. In 2017, at Golf Club Milano, it was won by Tyrrell Hatton with 263 strokes (-21), drew 73,000 spectators and, for the first time, offered $7 million in prize money. The club that hosted it is the same one where, under the club's rules, you can book a tee time today.
From the Italian Open to the Ryder Cup, from the Challenge Tour to events open to amateurs: here is where Italy's major golf events are played and which courses visitors can play after the tournament. For dates, tickets and times, always check the tournament's official website.
The Italian Open: the tournament that tours Italy
The Italian Open is the Italian stop on the DP World Tour and changes venue every year. The latest editions:
| Year | Venue | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Marco Simone, Guidonia | The course, renovated for the 2023 Ryder Cup, hosted the 2021, 2022 and 2023 editions |
| 2025 | Argentario Golf Club, Porto Ercole | 82nd edition, 26–29 June; won by Adrien Saddier with 266 strokes (-14) |
For the 2025 edition the club reports 10,600 spectators over four days: it was the first to be certified ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. Venues and dates of later editions can be found on the official DP World Tour calendar.
The 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone, the benchmark
In 2023, from 29 September to 1 October, the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club hosted the Ryder Cup: Europe beat the United States 16.5 to 11.5. The course, designed by Jim Fazio and renovated by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design, has a stated capacity of 50,000 visitors a day, and the dome of St Peter's can be seen from several points. Today it can be played as a guest: in 2026 the 18-hole green fee is 195 euros in low season and 270 in high season.
The courses that remember the Opens: where to play after the tournament
Many Italian clubs have a trophy cabinet with several editions of the Italian Open. If your trip follows in the footsteps of the great tournaments, these are the main ones.
- Argentario Golf Club: venue of the 2025 Open. The 2026 price list runs from 120 to 170 euros for 18 holes. The hotel is the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, 4 km from Porto Ercole.
- Golf Club Milano: nine Opens (1951, 1952, 1956, 1981, 1984, 1990, 2015, 2016 and 2017), inside Monza Park. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays access is reserved for members and their guests.
- Royal Park I Roveri: four Opens from 2009 to 2012, plus the Italian Open for golfers with disabilities in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Price list with no year given: 160 euros.
- Circolo Golf Torino La Mandria: Opens in 1999, 2013 and 2014, and the 2022 Campionato Internazionale d'Italia. The visitors' price list, with no year given, starts at 120 euros on weekdays.
- Circolo Golf Villa d'Este: twelve Opens, the Italian record.
Those staying in Como can choose the Villa d'Este hotel, with its 2026 golf package from 21 March to 21 November.
Challenge Tour, circuits and events with spectators
Not just the Open. Terre dei Consoli, north of Rome, has twice hosted the European Challenge Tour: at the Italian Challenge Open, Englishman Matthew Jordan took his first professional win by beating Lorenzo Scalise in a playoff. The club is closed on Mondays. Antognolla, in Umbria, hosted the PGA Italian Championship (2019, according to the club) and holds the Antognolla International Pro-Am every year.
Royal Park has also hosted the 2021 European Ladies' Amateur, the 2022 World University Championships and the 2024 European Amateur Team Championship.
Events open to players: Sanremo and Villa d'Este's centenary
Some events are not only to be watched but also played. In Sanremo, the Circolo Golf degli Ulivi hosts the Royal Golf Challenge every autumn, organised by the Royal Hotel Sanremo: in 2026 it is played on 24 and 25 October, an individual stableford over 36 holes, with the option of playing a single round. In the 2025 edition, according to the hotel, there were three categories, a cocktail and gala dinner on Saturday and the prize-giving on Sunday.
In 2026 Villa d'Este celebrates its centenary with a packed programme of competitions and events, with the calendar available to download from the club's website.
How to build a trip around a tournament
A flagship tournament changes the rhythm of a destination: hotel and course follow different rules during tournament week, and the first question to ask when booking is whether the course is closed or restricted for the organisation. For future editions, it is best to ask in writing.
Among the solutions already set up by hotels, the Royal Hotel Sanremo offers a golf package with at least three nights, two green fees per person and a dinner, and organises the Royal Golf Challenge every autumn. In Cernobbio, the Villa d'Este offers a two-night package in 2026 with green fee, golf cart and clubs. The Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort has 73 rooms with a terrace over the course and is 4 km from Porto Ercole. Conditions change every year and should be reconfirmed before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the 2025 Italian Open played?+
At Argentario Golf Club in Porto Ercole, from 26 to 29 June 2025. Frenchman Adrien Saddier won with 266 strokes.
Where is the Italian Open played?+
The venue changes often: the 2025 edition was played at Argentario Golf Club. For upcoming editions, check the official DP World Tour calendar.
How many spectators attend the Italian Open?+
In 2017, in Milan, 73,000; in 2025, at Argentario, 10,600 over four days, according to the clubs.
Who won the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome?+
Europe, who beat the United States 16.5 to 11.5 at Marco Simone, from 29 September to 1 October 2023.
Can you play the courses that host the major tournaments?+
Almost always yes, as a guest, but each club has its own rules: at Golf Club Milano, for example, weekends are reserved for members. The 2026 green fees range from 120 euros at Argentario to 270 euros at Marco Simone in high season.
Where do I find tickets for a tournament?+
On the official website of the tournament and of the host club; prices and spectator entry rules change with every edition.
