Illustrative image
Photo: Ali Soheil · Pexels License
Lombardy / Milan, Italy
Golf Club Villa d'Este
Peter Gannon's 1926 woodland classic near Lake Como — ranked the #1 golf course in Italy and one of the most technically demanding par 69s in Europe.
Course overview
Golf Club Villa d'Este was designed by Peter Gannon and opened in 1926 at Montorfano in the Brianza hills above Lake Como. The course stretches to 5,760 metres across terrain shared with over 30,000 trees — pines, chestnuts, and birches — with the pre-Alps rising behind and glimpses of Lake Montorfano in the valley below. At par 69, it is considered one of the most varied and demanding layouts of its kind in Europe. It is ranked the #1 golf course in Italy by Leading Courses. Green fees are bookable through the club website or via Chronogolf.
The essentials
- Architect
- Peter Gannon
- Established
- 1926
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 69
- Length
- 5,760 m
- Location
- Lombardy, Italy
Character & atmosphere
A tight, tree-lined woodland parkland where accuracy off the tee is non-negotiable. The compact par 69 routing demands precise iron play into well-defended greens, with the Brianza hillside terrain producing frequent uneven lies.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Peter Gannon, opened in 1926.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Milan Malpensa Airport is the most convenient gateway; the drive to Montorfano via the A9 motorway takes around 40 minutes. Milan Linate Airport is around 50 minutes away. Car hire is essential — the course is in the Brianza hills between Milan and Lake Como.
Where to stay
Milan is the natural base for Lombardy golf, positioned within easy reach of Golf Club Milano at Monza, Bergamo L'Albenza, and Golf Club Villa d'Este near Lake Como. Italy's design and fashion capital offers world-class dining and cultural attractions alongside access to three of northern Italy's finest parkland courses.
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Italy
Explore Lombardy / Milan
Established parkland and heathland courses in the Lombardy lake district around Milan.