A historic course that admits only members on Saturdays, one closed on Tuesdays, another whose season starts in late May. A first golf trip to Italy is almost always spoiled by a detail the club's website puts in small print.
A first golf trip to Italy is usually organised in two steps: you choose the region, then you book the hotel. The missing step is reading the rules of the individual club, which vary enormously from one course to the next in Italy. These are the eight most common mistakes, each with a concrete example taken from the clubs' own rules.
1. Turning up at a private club at the weekend
Not every course is open to visitors every day. The Golf Club Milano, in Monza Park, is a private club: on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays access to the course and the practice ground is reserved for members and their guests. The website adds that guests are welcome up to six times a year, without specifying the conditions. The advice: phone ahead, and plan a course of this kind for a weekday.
2. Not checking the closing day
A course's day of rest changes from club to club.
- The Villa d'Este in Montorfano is open every day from March to December, except Tuesday.
- The Terre dei Consoli, north of Rome, is closed on Monday.
- At the Golf Club Milano it is the secretary's office that is closed on Monday.
- The Marco Simone is closed only on 1 January and 25 December.
3. Ignoring the opening season
2026 offers three examples. The Villa d'Este is closed in January and February. The Courmayeur, in Val Ferret, plays from late May to October: the tourist board gives the period from 29 May to 4 October for 2026, while the price list runs to 11 October, so it is worth checking. The Circolo Golf degli Ulivi in Sanremo is closed from 29 September to 9 October 2026 for aeration and reseeding and reopens on 10 October. Even courses that are open all year have maintenance periods: at the Marco Simone the 2026 green coring runs from 23 to 27 June.
4. Forgetting your membership card and handicap
Many clubs ask for a card from a recognised federation and a maximum handicap. At Pevero on the Costa Smeralda the maximum handicap is 54. For other courses the website states no limit: the Marco Simone, for example, advises asking the secretary's office when booking. Bring the card of your own club with you.
5. The wrong luggage: dress code and golf bag
The dress code in Italy is often written down and enforced. At Pevero jeans and T-shirts are banned: players wear tailored Bermuda shorts and a collared polo. At Castelconturbia play is in golf shoes, with a dress code that rules out tank tops, faded jeans, leggings and tracksuits. At Pevero, moreover, every player must have their own bag, and to drive a buggy you must be 18 and hold a driving licence.
6. Confusing high and low season in the prices
The green fee can vary by as much as 50% at the same course. In 2026 Pevero costs €120 from January to 26 April and from 26 October to December, and €180 from 20 July to 16 August. The Marco Simone goes from €195 in low season to €270 in high season, with no difference between weekdays and weekends. Castelconturbia has rates from €91 to €140. A mountain course such as Courmayeur rises to €99 on weekdays in August, from €59 in late May.
7. Trusting a price list with no date
Not all websites give the year of the price list. At Terre dei Consoli and at Royal Park I Roveri, for example, the published rates carry no date, and the actual cost must be confirmed with the secretary's office. When a figure has no reference year, treat it as an indication.
8. Cancelling at the last minute
Penalties vary. At Pevero cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice cost 100%. At Castelconturbia anyone who cancels up to 5 days before the tee time is refunded in full, between four and two days the refund is 50%, and from the day before there is no refund. Before booking a package with the hotel, for example the one at the Villa d'Este in Cernobbio for 2026, check the excluded dates and the conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play in Italy without being a member of a club?+
Yes, at most pay-and-play courses, but you usually need the card of a recognised federation. Some private clubs, such as Golf Club Milano, limit guest access at weekends.
Do I need a handicap to play?+
Many clubs require one: at Pevero the maximum is 54. Where the website does not state it, ask the secretary's office.
How much does a green fee cost in Italy?+
At the courses mentioned, in 2026 prices range from €59 at Courmayeur (weekdays, early season) to €270 at Marco Simone in high season.
When is an Italian course closed?+
It depends on the club: Tuesday at Villa d'Este, Monday at Terre dei Consoli, never at Marco Simone except 1 January and 25 December. Check maintenance closures too.
Is there a dress code?+
Often there is: no jeans, tank tops or metal spikes, with a polo and long trousers or Bermuda shorts.
Can I cancel without a penalty?+
It depends. At Castelconturbia up to 5 days before you are refunded in full; at Pevero, less than 48 hours costs 100%.
