The Best Golf Courses in Puglia

Enjoy our guide to the best golf courses in Puglia – the perfect place to play golf under the sun in Italy.

Golf courses in Puglia are certainly not the most well-known in Europe. However, here at Bookings For You we’ve never been fans of following the crowd and when it comes to finding somewhere to enjoy a round of golf in the sunshine there’s so much more to explore in Europe than the usual haunts in Spain and Portugal.

While Puglia is most famous for stunning whitewashed towns and breath-taking coastal scenery, there is also a somewhat hidden golf scene in Italy’s heel. Choose form luxurious resorts or quiet courses hidden in the region’s iconic olive groves. Either way, Puglia’s golf courses have so much to offer both as a stand alone golf holiday or for a day on the course as part of a family holiday. To date, there at five eighteen hole golf courses in Puglia, along with a smaller practice course which is ideal for beginners. So there’s plenty of opportunity to play golf in Puglia.

1. San Domenico Golf Course, Puglia

Situated on the Adriatic coast, this is a challenging par 72, 18 hole course. Whilst the proximity to the coast means golfers can enjoy some stunning sea views during their round, it also brings the added challenge of contending with some testing sea breezes

As hosts of the PGA European Challenge Tour Grand Final, the wide fairways are magnificent – each flanked by olives tress and fragrant wild herbs. The views will take your breath away. And, can arguably even make it difficult to concentrate on the golf! A bonus is the proximity to the coastal town of Savelletri – the ideal place to debrief the round and enjoy some lunch in an authentic seafood trattoria.

2. Acaya Golf and Country club, Puglia

Situated near Lecce, this is a par 72 course and a good option for those golfers looking for slightly less of a challenge than San Domenico presents. It’s also famous for being an eco-course with play meandering through the natural flora and fauna of the region. What’s more, there are natural streams and a real variety of terrain to contend with along the course.

Suitable for a range of abilities, this is a golf course in Puglia which suits groups of friends and families with different golfing experience. And, there’s both a driving range and putting green, to help you warm up before hitting the main course. Another bonus is its proximity to Lecce – ideal if you want to experience a bit of city culture after your morning on the course.

3. Barialto Golf Club, Puglia

Situated  Bari, this is an idyllic course, constructed around a central lake and weaving through ancient olive groves. Because of the lake, many holes feature a water hazard providing an extra challenge to players. The fairways are narrow so can pose a challenge for less experienced players.

There is an excellent restaurant in the club house, as well as tennis courts and a swimming pool on site. For those with children, there is a mini club to keep the little ones entertained, as well as a babysitting service. What’s more, children can also enjoy their first lessons in golf – although in this setting, we should warn you that you’ll be setting the bar very high for their future gold endeavours! A real bonus for this golf course in Puglia is its proximity to central Bari be even more so the airport – perfect for a cheeky golf weekend without the hassle of too much travel.

4. Riva dei Tessali Golf Club, Puglia

This is set near the coast in Taranto. Whilst near the sea, unfortunately it doesn’t enjoy the sea views that San Domenico can boast. For beginners, the club also offers a golf school with the possibility to take lessons. Constructed through dense pine forests, the trees provide welcome shade in the heat of the Summer sun, whilst also proving to be an obstacle to some shots, with the sea breeze adding an extra dimension to contend with!

5. Metaponto Golf Club, Basilicata

A relatively new course that opened in 2000, this course is technically in Basilicata not Puglia. However the regions are so closely interlinked that we’ve included it in our guide to the best golf courses in Puglia. Formerly a farm, this is a par 72 course stretching across 6284 metres. With wide open fairways, the course meanders through lemon groves initially before moving through olive groves. The club also boasts a large driving range, putting and pitching green.

We love Basilicata and always recommend that guests – golfers or not- make a trip over the border from Puglia. The highlight is Matera – read all about it here.

6. Masseria Caselli Golf Course, Puglia

This is a smaller course with pitching and putting green, enjoying stunning views of the Puglian Coastline. It’s great for beginners wanting to try their hand at the sport for the first time, with great value for money 30 and 60 minute lessons from instructors available. As part of  a luxury masseria, this is the ultimate in decadence. And while we wouldn’t say it’s the best of the golf courses in Puglia, it’s perfect for a quick practice or to enjoy some golf with the family. However, what it lacks in challenging golf is made up by the resort’s other facilities. It’s very popular with wedding parties so be sure to check availability well in advance – especially in the summer months.

Golf Courses in Puglia – know before you go:

• Most golf courses in Puglia offer bag, buggy and club hire so you can pack light.
• The best months for golf in Puglia are May – June and September – November. Avoid August it’s scorching!
• Dress codes tend to be collared shirts and spiked shoes.
• Book tee times online in advance – especially at weekends.

Accommodation near Golf Courses in Puglia

It’s no secret that here at Bookings For You we love holidays in Puglia. Stunning white-washed towns, paradise-like beaches and some of the finest food in Europe make it an unbeatable holiday destination. And, for a golf holiday we think it’s got so much going for it – especially if you prefer to find something away from the hoards of British tourists that descend on the huge golf resorts in Spain and Portugal. Our collection of stunning luxury villas and apartments are the perfect option for accommodation near these golf courses in Puglia. Not only are they the perfect place to come back to to relax after a round under the sun we also offer bespoke concierge services of chefs, drivers and tour guides which can keep any non-golfing members of your party happy too.

Discover our full collection of villas and apartments in Puglia here. Or contact us to help you find your perfect play for a a golf holiday in Puglia.