At Acquasanta the members' minutes were kept in English until 1929, and for decades sheep kept the fairways. Italy's oldest club, by its own account, still plays between a Roman aqueduct and the Appian Way.
In Rome, beside the Via Appia Antica, there is a golf course where you still play within sight of the Claudian Aqueduct. It is the Circolo del Golf Roma Acquasanta, which presents itself as the oldest club in Italy: a nine-hole "Rome Golf Club", founded by English and American diplomats, was already mentioned by a magazine in 1898, and the present course dates from 1903.
This profile tells how the club came about, how its 18 holes play today, what it costs and which other Roman courses are worth pairing with it on a trip.
Acquasanta's history: from the Torlonia princes to the 1960 Olympics
In January 1903 the members' assembly instructed Arthur Flach to look for suitable land. On 28 November 1903 the members ratified his choice: the links of the Torlonia princes at Acqua Santa, leased for 2,900 lire a year, with a rustic farmhouse that became the first clubhouse. For years the minutes were written in English; the last one in that language dates from 1929.
The early decades had the flavour of another age. According to the club, the fairways were mown once a year and the rest of the time were open to grazing by sheep, which fertilised the ground and brought in an income. At first play ran from October to May: in summer the course rested, and every autumn greens and tees were reseeded.
The course grew from nine to 18 holes in 1913, and the current layout remains similar to that one, with the order of the holes reversed. The swimming pool, opened in 1940, was famous for its icy water, which came straight from a spring. After 1944, with the Wehrmacht encamped in the valley, the course was taken over by Allied officers: among the visitors the club recalls Montgomery and Patton, and in 1952 the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. In 1960 the course hosted the running event of the modern pentathlon at the Rome Olympics.
The course: 18 holes between the Almone, the Appian Way and the aqueduct
The club's website describes every hole but publishes neither the par nor the overall length, so we do not state them here. The terrain is gently rolling and crossed by the small Almone river; from several points you can see the Claudian Aqueduct, the Appian Way and the mausoleum of Cecilia Metella.
A few holes deserve a mark on the scorecard.
- The 1st starts on a slight downhill, with out of bounds on the right and a green guarded by two water hazards.
- The 7th is a par 5 with a dogleg left and five bunkers around the green. The Roman aqueduct stands in the background.
- The 8th has a blind tee shot and a domed green, surrounded by a hollow, among the hardest.
- The 12th, a par 5 with a dogleg right and water along the whole right side, is for the club the most demanding.
- The 17th is among the most striking: a descent and two water hazards to clear with the second shot.
- The 18th is an uphill par 4, with the elevated green defended by three bunkers and the clubhouse at the end.
Playing Acquasanta as a guest: rates and dress code
Visitors are welcome: the published price list includes a rate even for those without an FIG card. Tee times are booked at reception, by calling 06 7803407 or writing to the club. The price list on the website does not state the year, so the figures should be confirmed before you travel.
| Item | FIG members | Others |
|---|---|---|
| Green fee 18 holes, weekdays | 120 euros | 140 euros |
| Green fee 18 holes, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays | 150 euros | 170 euros |
Other costs listed in the same price list: driving range 15 euros on weekdays and 20 on holidays, golf cart 60 euros for 18 holes, electric trolley 20 euros, manual trolley 5 euros, rental of 14 clubs 20 euros (40 for the premium set). Required handicap and closing day are not published.
The dress code is set out in the local rules. For men, a polo shirt and long trousers or knee-length Bermudas, with long socks recommended; for women, a polo shirt, with or without sleeves, and trousers, Bermudas or a skirt. Jeans, tracksuits, leggings and metal spikes are not allowed.
The club today: clubhouse, restaurant and young players
After the round there is the club's restaurant; the Youth Club and the club's own instructors look after the youngsters. The course is inside Rome, beside the Appian Way.
Curiosities
- A nymph behind the tee. Behind the 3rd tee there is a spring known for the legends of the nymph Egeria.
- Minutes in English until 1929. The founders' language remained the official one for a quarter of a century.
- A spring-fed pool. In 1940 the water arrived icy cold straight from the source.
- An Olympic course. In 1960 the running event of the modern pentathlon was held here.
Other courses around Rome
Those with more days can pair Acquasanta with a second course. Marco Simone, in Guidonia, hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup and was renovated for the occasion. Olgiata has 27 holes and hosted the Italian Open in 2002 and 2019. Parco di Roma, designed by PB Dye, lies in the Veio Regional Park. To the south-east, Country Club Castelgandolfo has 18 holes by Robert Trent Jones Sr. on the floor of an ancient volcanic crater.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play at Acquasanta without being a member?+
Yes: the price list published on the website includes a green fee even for those without an FIG card. Tee times are booked at reception on 06 7803407.
How much is the green fee at Acquasanta?+
The published price list, undated, shows 120 euros (FIG members) or 140 euros (others) on weekdays, and 150 or 170 euros on public holidays. Ask reception for confirmation.
Is it really the oldest club in Italy?+
That is how the club presents itself. A "Rome Golf Club" is documented in 1898 and the present course dates from 1903. The record, however, is the one claimed by the club.
How many holes does the course have?+
Eighteen, since 1913. Before that the course had nine holes.
What clothing is required?+
A polo shirt and long trousers or knee-length Bermudas; for women a skirt too. Jeans, tracksuits, leggings and metal spikes are not allowed.
Can you rent golf carts and clubs?+
Yes. The price list shows golf carts at 60 euros for 18 holes, electric and manual trolleys, and rental of 14 clubs, standard or premium.
Where exactly is it?+
In Rome, in the Almone valley beside the Via Appia Antica. For the reception phone number and to book a tee time, the club gives 06 7803407.
