Since 1919, the Donnini family writes on Madova's website, Florence has made nothing but leather gloves. None of these workshops makes golf its trade: here is why they are still worth a stop between rounds.
A preliminary note: none of the workshops you will find here declares a golf line, neither leather golf bags nor golf gloves. They are four addresses for artisan leatherwork in Florence, the city through which, according to Golf Club dell'Ugolino, golf entered Italy in 1889: travel and clubhouse items, to look for after a round, not course equipment. Dates and claims to primacy are those the workshops state about themselves.
Madova: leather gloves, and only those
On its website Madova writes that the Donnini family has made leather gloves since 1919. It tells of four generations: grandfather Amedeo, who founded it, the parents who restarted production after 1945, and the four children, Mauro, Franco, Andrea and Silvia, who run it today. The workshop describes itself as "the only shop in Europe (or perhaps in the world)" that sells and makes leather gloves exclusively, and says it exports worldwide.
There is a caveat for golfers: no golf gloves appear on the workshop's website. These are leather gloves for town and travel. A golf glove, which is there for grip, is a different object: ask the workshop directly whether it makes one.
Scuola del Cuoio: learn, visit, personalise
According to the Aeroporti di Roma article, the Scuola del Cuoio is housed in the monastery of Santa Croce. Its website presents it as an artisan workshop and offers professional courses, workshops for visitors and guided tours; the online shop has bags, jackets, wallets, belts and accessories for men and women, office items and travel goods. Some products can be personalised.
For a golfer it is the most interesting choice if the trip leaves time: a document holder or card case for the federation card and the handicap certificate that many clubs ask guests for is a sensible purchase, even though the school has no golf line.
Bottega Giotti: travel bags and small leather goods
On its website Bottega Giotti presents itself with the motto "Florence since 1950" and the description "hand made in Italy luxury leather". The catalogue includes bags (day, evening, work, travel), small leather goods such as wallets, toiletry bags and bottle holders, and accessories. The Aeroporti di Roma article places it near Botticelli's tomb and calls it one of the city's oldest leather producers.
For anyone travelling with a golf bag, the toiletry bag is the most convenient thing to pack alongside shoes and clothing. The workshop, it must be said, has no golf line.
Casini Firenze: a workshop from 1945
The Aeroporti di Roma article gives Casini as a workshop founded in 1945, based in Piazza dei Pitti. For its range, it is best to ask in the shop directly.
And if you want a golfing souvenir
If you are looking for something that speaks of golf, the most direct route is a pro shop. The one at Golf Club Menaggio & Cadenabbia, next to the clubhouse, sells clothing and accessories bearing the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club 1907 mark, while Golf Club Lanzo offers products under its own brand, Golf Lanzo. They are items of another kind, but they carry the club's name and founding year.
What to ask in the workshop
Before buying, three simple questions avoid disappointment: whether the workshop makes or only resells (Madova says it makes; the Scuola del Cuoio presents itself as an artisan workshop); whether the item can be personalised (the Scuola del Cuoio indicates this for some products); and whether a golf-suitable version exists, for example a glove with grip, to be asked for expressly.
Weight and luggage: a sum to do before buying
Anyone buying leather bags and suitcases while travelling has to reckon with the aeroplane. On easyJet the limit for golf clubs is 20 kg, according to the airline; for other items the usual baggage limits apply. For other airlines, read the conditions on their website.
Where to play in Florence, before or after shopping
- Circolo del Golf Ugolino, on the first hills of Chianti, descends from the Florence Golf Club of 1889. In 2026 the 18-hole green fee costs 130 euros, 9 holes 80; a set of club rental 30 euros.
- Golf Club Parco di Firenze is a 9-hole par 31 at Isolotto, inside the city, open every day from 9 am to 6:30 pm, with a floodlit driving range and putting green.
- Golf Club Bellosguardo, on the hills of Vinci, has 9 holes with double tees; it is closed on Mondays, and the price list published on the website, headed 2027, gives 60 euros on weekdays in high season and 50 in low season.
Frequently asked questions
Are there leather golf bags made in Florence?+
The Florentine workshops in this article do not offer leather golf bags or gloves: they make bags, gloves, wallets and travel goods.
Where can you buy leather gloves in Florence?+
Madova, which according to its website has made leather gloves since 1919, is based in Via de' Guicciardini according to the Aeroporti di Roma article. It does not offer golf gloves, however.
Can you visit a leatherworking school in Florence?+
Yes: the Scuola del Cuoio, in the monastery of Santa Croce, offers workshops and guided tours according to its website.
How much can a golf bag weigh on a plane?+
On easyJet the limit for golf clubs is 20 kg. For other airlines, check the conditions on their website.
Which golf courses are near Florence?+
Circolo del Golf Ugolino (18 holes, on the Chianti hills), Golf Club Parco di Firenze (9 holes in the city) and Golf Club Bellosguardo (9 holes, in Vinci).
How much does it cost to play at Ugolino?+
In 2026 the price list gives 130 euros for 18 holes and 80 euros for 9 holes.
