Glorious golf around Lake Garda

The stunning landscape around the largest of the Italian lakes, midway between Milan and Venice, is reflected in the region’s fabulous golf courses and resorts. Here’s our quick tour.

Visitors to Lake Garda’s 90 miles of shoreline can enjoy the local wine and cuisine and soak up the historic charm of towns such as Peschiera del Garda with its Venice like canals, the lakeside beauty of Lazise, the vineyards of Bardolino, and the romantic walkways of Garda itself.

The north end of the Lake is quieter with epic mountain views and picturesque villages like Riva del Garda and Limone Sul Garda. Venice, Brescia, Verona and the Dolomites are among the options for superb day excursions.

Golf courses

Most golf courses on Lake Garda can be played all year round thanks to the warm, mild climate. The courses on the western shores of the Lake in the region of Lombardy include Arzaga Golf Club, Bogliaco Golf Club, Gardagolf Country Club, Franciacorta Golf Club, and Chervò Golf San Vigilio.

Arzaga Golf Club boasts 27 superb holes from two big names: the 18-hole Arzaga I course was designed by Jack Nicklaus II; the 9-hole Arzaga II course by Gary Player. They are both hilly layouts with an America feel in the heart of beautiful Italian countryside.

Bogliaco Golf Club is worth visiting for its unique 100m-high elevated location from where you can admire almost the entire length of Lake Garda. The par-3 5th hole is arguably the ‘signature hole of Lake Garda’ for its views.

Gardagolf Country Club is considered one of the best golf courses in Italy with 27 challenging holes which have hosted the Italian Open twice. Located between the Rocca di Manerba, the Castle of Soiano and the hills of Valtenesi, there’s exceptional panoramic views.

Franciacorta Golf Club is located in the Franciacorta wine region and is home to a championship 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye and Marco Croze, with a 9-hole course later added. All three are wonderfully absorbed into the landscape with lakes and several island greens. Another excellent option, Chervò Golf San Vigilio has 27-holes and a 9-hole course making it fun for all golfers, with views of the ancient fortress of San Martino.

On the eastern shores of Lake Garda in the Veneto region, highlights include Golf Club Verona and Golf Club Paradiso del Garda. Golf Club Verona, between the hills and the vineyards of the Custoza wine region, is a superb hilly 18-hole course with challenging raised greens. Golf Club Paradiso del Garda is one of the region’s finest courses, designed by Jim Fazio. A manicured technical and strategic test with lakes and bunkers.

Golf resorts

Palazzo Arzaga Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is a 5-star stunning palace hotel set in 150 acres of breathtaking countryside. There’s a wellness centre, 18-hole championship golf course and a 9-hole course, just over three miles from Lake Garda. Arzaga Golf Club is also just moments away.

Quellenhof Luxury Resort at Lazise is a 5-star retreat close to the picturesque mountains of Monte Baldo close to Lake Garda. The hotel has special greefee agreements with 12 golf clubs on the Lake, all within an hour and 20 minutes from the hotel. Golf Club Paradiso del Garda, Golf Club Ca´ degli Ulivi, Golf Club Verona, Golf Club Chervò San Vigilio, and Golf Club Villafranca are all less than half an hour away.

Chervo Golf San Vigilio is situated in the magnificent hills surrounding Lake Garda in acres of pretty landscaped gardens, with breathtaking countryside views. It’s a 4-star relaxing retreat, home to a superb spa, a 27-hole championship golf course, a 9-hole course and a driving range.

Few places can match Lake Garda’s combination of wonderful scenery and superb golf.