Golf Club Bologna
Bologna
Golf Club Bologna is one of Emilia-Romagna’s historic golf venues, set within rolling countryside at Monte San Pietro, around 20 minutes from central Bologna. Mature trees, gentle hills and wide views across the surrounding plains give the course a peaceful rural character, despite its convenient position close to the regional capital.
Opened in 1959, the course was designed by British architects Cotton and Harris, with later alterations made by former professional golfer and broadcaster Peter Alliss in 2000. The 18-hole, par-72 layout measures approximately 5,957 metres and follows the natural movement of the landscape, creating a traditional parkland test with regular changes in elevation.
Golfers will find a varied mixture of tree-lined fairways, sloping lies, bunkers and carefully positioned greens. The course is not especially long by modern standards, but its undulating ground places extra importance on balance, club selection and accurate approaches. Wider landing areas provide some forgiveness from the tee, while the stronger holes reward players who choose their angles carefully rather than relying entirely on distance.
Golf Club Bologna has hosted the Italian Amateur Championship on several occasions, alongside a range of leading professional competitions. Different tee positions make the course suitable for visiting golfers of various abilities, while its countryside setting and proximity to Bologna work particularly well for groups combining golf with food, culture and sightseeing.
Practice facilities include a driving range, pitching green and putting green, supported by a golf school and pro shop. Golf carts, trolleys and sets of clubs are available to hire. The elegant clubhouse includes changing facilities, a bar and a highly regarded restaurant overlooking the practice area, while a seasonal outdoor swimming pool provides another place to relax during the warmer months.
Bologna Airport
16km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+1
Currency:
CHF (Swiss Franc)
Temperature:
2°C - 33°C
Cost of a Beer:
£8.50
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£70
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About The Area
Salsomaggiore Terme is a distinctive choice for a golf holiday in Emilia-Romagna, combining scenic hillside golf with spa-town architecture, medieval castles and Parma’s famous food culture. Set among rolling countryside between Parma and Piacenza, it offers a quieter alternative to Italy’s larger cities while keeping plenty of attractions within easy driving distance. Bologna Airport is approximately 123 kilometres away by road, while Parma Airport provides a closer regional option. Hiring a car is recommended.
The main golfing attraction is Golf Salsomaggiore Terme, located in the hills outside the town. Its 18-hole, par-72 course measures 5,761 metres and sits around 360 metres above sea level. Undulating fairways, elevated greens and frequent changes in height make accuracy and thoughtful club selection important, while three lakes influence play across five holes. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting and pitching greens, with a restaurant, swimming pool and equipment hire also available.
Away from the course, Salsomaggiore is best known for its thermal-water heritage. The remarkable Berzieri Thermal Baths form the architectural centrepiece of the town, with an elaborate design combining Liberty and Art Deco influences. The local mineral water is naturally rich in substances including iodine, bromine, sulphur and calcium and has shaped the town’s identity as a wellness destination.
The surrounding hills are dotted with historic strongholds known as the Castles of Salt. Scipione, Contignaco and Tabiano are among the most interesting nearby examples, each connected to the powerful families that once controlled the area’s valuable salt wells.
Food is another major part of the experience. Salsomaggiore lies within Parma’s celebrated Food Valley, placing visitors close to producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, regional wines and fresh pasta. We particularly recommend visiting during spring or early autumn, when the countryside and playing conditions are well suited to combining golf, sightseeing and long Italian lunches.
