Metal spikes banned, soft spikes compulsory: at many Italian clubs the choice of shoes is not a matter of taste but of rules, written in black and white next to the dress code. Here is what the clubs actually say, and what to put in your suitcase.
In the luggage of a golf trip, shoes are the heaviest item after the clubs, and also the one on which Italian clubs are most precise. There is no national rule that applies to everyone: each club writes its own, usually next to the dress code. Lined up side by side, though, the rules of a dozen clubs almost all say the same thing.
The most common rule: soft spikes, never metal spikes
In the rules of Italian clubs one formula recurs more than any other: soft spikes compulsory, meaning plastic or rubber cleats in place of metal spikes. They are required, for example, by Golf Club Conero Sirolo (which also asks you to book your tee time), Golf Club San Donato, Golf Club Casentino, Golf Club Lamborghini, Golf Club Trieste, Montelupo Golf Club, Reggio Emilia Golf, Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Salsomaggiore Golf & Thermae and Golfclub Lana-Meran Gutshof Brandis.
Golf & Country Club Le Pavoniere extends the requirement beyond the course: soft spikes are required in the clubhouse too.
Other clubs take the opposite approach and ban metal spikes. Circolo del Golf Roma Acquasanta excludes shoes with metal spikes, along with jeans, tracksuits and leggings; Golf Fiuggi Terme & Country Club prohibits “shoes with iron spikes”; Golf Club Ponte di Legno asks for shoes “without metal spikes”; Golf Club Mare di Roma lists metal spikes among the things to avoid. None of these clubs bans soft cleats: it is the choice that causes no problems, unlike metal spikes.
Trainers, sandals, Crocs: what is not acceptable
For beginners the rules are more relaxed, but only on the practice area. The school at Rimini-Verucchio Golf Club states that to get started, long trousers, a polo shirt and trainers are enough.
On the playing course it is another matter. Golf Club Rapallo lists Crocs, flip-flops and slippers among the excluded items; Golf Club San Donato does not allow sandals; Golf Club Castelconturbia asks for golf shoes and a dress code that rules out tank tops, faded jeans, leggings and tracksuits. The rule can apply off the course as well: at Golf Club Margara, men dining at the restaurant in the evening are required to wear long trousers and closed shoes.
If you would rather not bring them: hire and pro shop
Some clubs hire out shoes: Golf Club Ca'della Nave in Martellago lists among its services the hire of golf carts, trolleys, bags and shoes. It is an exception, not the rule: elsewhere hire mostly concerns clubs and trolleys. Under the heading “shoes” you will more often find the pro shop: the one at Golf Club Lanzo sells shoes and offers spike replacement, the one at Golf Club Grado sells clothing, shoes and accessories. If you forget your spare spikes, you can therefore try to sort it out at the pro shop, at least at the clubs that mention one.
Hotels help too, but not with shoes: among the golf services listed by Villa d'Este and the Hotel Excelsior in Venice is equipment hire, with no dedicated entry for footwear. It is worth asking Guest Relations what is included.
What to pack: the practical list
- A pair of golf shoes with soft spikes: the choice that causes no problems at any of the clubs mentioned.
- Closed walking shoes for the clubhouse and restaurant, if the club has an evening dress code.
- Spare spikes, if the ones on your shoes are replaceable: the pro shop at some clubs changes them, but not all say so.
- A shoe bag, so you do not rest them against the other things in your suitcase.
If you are flying with your golf bag, remember that on easyJet the limit for golf clubs is 20 kg, according to the airline: weigh the bag before leaving, and for other airlines read the conditions on their pages.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need golf shoes to play in Italy?+
For the playing course, almost always. Club rules ask for soft spikes or ban metal spikes, and some expressly exclude sandals, flip-flops and Crocs. For first lessons on the practice area, some schools accept trainers.
Can I wear shoes with metal spikes?+
Usually not: at Acquasanta, Fiuggi, Ponte di Legno and Mare di Roma metal spikes are excluded.
What are soft spikes?+
They are soft cleats, made of plastic or rubber, that replace the old metal spikes. They are the most frequent requirement in the rules of Italian clubs.
Can I hire golf shoes?+
A few clubs do: Golf Club Ca'della Nave in Martellago hires out shoes, golf carts, trolleys and bags. It is rare: at most clubs hire covers clubs and trolleys.
Can I buy shoes or change the spikes on site?+
Often yes: the pro shop at Golf Club Lanzo sells shoes and replaces spikes, the one at Golf Club Grado sells clothing, shoes and accessories.
Do I need particular shoes in the clubhouse too?+
It depends on the club. At Golf & Country Club Le Pavoniere soft spikes are compulsory in the clubhouse as well; at Golf Club Margara men must wear closed shoes at dinner.
