There are dozens of golf courses throughout 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, the Lake Como golf courses usually spring to mind first. However, there are a number of good Lake Maggiore golf courses to be enjoyed, with an array of courses to suit all abilities. With every course set in beautiful surroundings and with many with superb lake views, it will be hard to keep your eye on the hole!
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 and 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 where you can enjoy lessons from the professionals. For those preferring an 18 hole course, Losone is the newst 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 centrally situated for easy access from the club house. The driving range has 20 uncovered and 6 covered positions and there is also a pitching, bunker and putting practice area.
Golfers can, of course also use Lake Maggiore as a base to visit the courses on the other lakes too. For example, if you wish to trek over to the Lake Como golf courses, 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 but still maintains a traditional British feel. It offers breathtaking views over Lake Como from its elevated position above the lakes western shore. The clubhouse features a magnificent library of golfing literature, said to be second only to that at St Andrews. This is a Par 70 of 5455 meters.
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.
