Photo: Anthony Melone · Unsplash License
Rome, Italy
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Championship Course)
A Rome-area parkland course rebuilt for the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Course overview
Originally opened in 1989 and designed by Jim Fazio and David Mezzacane, Marco Simone's Championship Course was substantially redesigned by Tom Fazio II and European Golf Design ahead of hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup — the third Ryder Cup held in continental Europe. It sits within the grounds of a medieval castle roughly 10 miles from central Rome and stretches to 6,343 metres at par 72.
The essentials
- Architect
- Jim Fazio; David Mezzacane; redesign by Tom Fazio II / European Golf Design
- Established
- 1989
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,343 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–24
- Location
- Lazio, Italy
Character & atmosphere
A modern championship parkland set against the backdrop of a medieval castle, combining sculpted fairways with demanding approach angles to well-bunkered greens. The Ryder Cup redesign added spectator infrastructure and sharpened the strategic challenge throughout.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Jim Fazio; David Mezzacane; redesign by Tom Fazio II / European Golf Design, opened in 1989.
- A championship-calibre test that has hosted professional golf.
Signature Hole
18
A risk-reward par-5 closing hole where water guards the left side of the approach and the castle provides a dramatic backdrop. During the 2023 Ryder Cup — the first held in continental Europe since 1997 — the 18th green became the focal point of the European team's celebrations, watched by packed spectator stands on both sides. The approach demands a decision: lay up safely on the right or attack the green over water for a birdie chance that could prove decisive in match play.
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Rome Fiumicino is the main international gateway. Marco Simone is northeast of Rome toward Guidonia; the drive from Fiumicino via the Grande Raccordo Anulare takes around 45 minutes. Car hire or a private transfer are both practical options.
Where to stay
Rome is the natural base for golf in the Italian capital region, combining easy access to Marco Simone and the surrounding courses with everything the Eternal City offers. The trade-off is urban traffic; allow time for the drive to the courses.
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Italy
Explore Rome
Golf in the Italian capital's countryside, headlined by Marco Simone, host of the 2023 Ryder Cup.