We think you’ll feel like you’ve hit a hole in one when you see how many Lake Maggiore golf courses there are. There are over 300 golf courses situated all over Italy. However they are certainly most abundant in the North of the country. In fact, there are 45 courses to enjoy in Lombardy alone. When golfers think of playing a round of golf in the Italian Lakes, Lake Como’s golf courses usually spring to mind first. However, there are a number of good Lake Maggiore golf courses to be enjoyed. Theses courses range in difficulty, with something to suit all abilities. That said, with every course set in beautiful surroundings, it’s hard to keep your eye on the hole with lake views to distract you!
The first of these Lake Maggiore golf courses is not far from Stresa. Here there is the Des Iles Borromees Golf course, a testing 18 hole, Par 72 course lying 500m above sea level. Golfers need to ensure that they’re not distracted by the stunning views offered across the last 9 holes. The views from the 18th tee are particularly magnificent. From here you can often see the skyline of Milan and the four lakes – Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Monate and Lake Comabbio.
For those just looking for a 9 hole Lake Maggiore golf course, another course nearby worth trying is the Alpino Golf Course in Stresa.
As you head round the Western side of the lake from Stresa, golfers will find the Verbania Golf and Sporting Club. This is a relatively new club, only founded in 1996. Golfers will find a relaxed and informal atmosphere here. The club boasts one regular 9 hole course par 68 and one executive 9 hole course par 27. These courses are situated on flat land by the charming Lake Mergozzo with a beautiful view of the Alps.
Further round still, the next of the Lake Maggiore golf courses worth mentioning is the Piandisole Golf Club, another 9 hole course.
At the head of the lake comes The Patriziale Ascona Golf Club, the Losone Golf Club and the Locarno Golf Club. The latter is ideal if you’re more of a beginner. There’s a 9 hole course here perfect for the novice golfer as well as a driving range and golf school. For those preferring an 18 hole course, Losone is the newest course on the lake, opened in 2001. Players will find the course becomes progressively more difficult as they play.
The Lake Maggiore golf courses on the Eastern side of the lake tend to be more inland and include a club at Varese and the Golf Club Monticello at Cassina Rizzardi.
However if you are looking for something closer to the lake, then there is the Golf dei Laghi Club in Travedona. The latter does enjoy breathtaking views of Monte Rosa and Lake Maggiore. The hilly course is full of obstacles and is ideal for players of all abilities. Golf dei Laghi has also created a practice area. This is centrally situated for easy access from the club house. The driving range has 20 uncovered and 6 covered positions. There is also a pitching, bunker and putting practice area here.
Golfers can, of course also use Lake Maggiore as a base to visit the courses on the other lakes too. For example, you could opt to trek over to the Lake Como golf courses. Here you can experience the famous Menaggio and Cadenabbia golf course. Originally founded by an English aristocrat in 1907, this very tight 18 hole course was completely redesigned in 1965. However, even today, it still maintains a traditional British feel. It offers breathtaking views over Lake Como from its elevated position above the lake’s western shore. The clubhouse features a magnificent library of golfing literature. This is said to be second only to that at St Andrews. This is a Par 70 of 5455 metres.
There are plenty of other golf courses on Lake Como to enjoy too. These include the Villa d’Este golf course in Montorfano, La Pinetina and Le Robinie. The latter is Italy’s only Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Slightly less far to trek than the Lake Como golf courses are those around Lake Lugano. Lugano itself also has an excellent course just 8 km from the centre of the town.
