San Valentino Golf Club
Castellarano
San Valentino Golf Club is a scenic parkland course in the hills of Emilia-Romagna, close to Castellarano and around 20 kilometres from both Modena and Reggio Emilia. Set more than 300 metres above sea level, the club is surrounded by woodland, open pasture and four lakes, giving every round a wonderfully peaceful countryside setting.
Opened in 1997, the main championship course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout measuring 6,203 metres. Its rolling terrain creates regular changes in elevation, with golfers facing sloping lies, narrow landing areas and approaches played from a variety of heights. The layout has previously hosted Italian and Italian Golf Federation championships, reflecting its reputation as one of the region’s more technical courses.
Although there are opportunities to open the shoulders from several tees, San Valentino rewards control and thoughtful course management more than raw distance. Fast putting surfaces are commonly protected by bunkers, while the hills, trees and lakes can quickly punish a poorly positioned shot. Different levels of difficulty are introduced throughout the round, making the course an enjoyable challenge for capable club golfers while remaining playable from the appropriate tees.
Alongside the championship layout, the club has five executive holes that can also help form a shorter winter course. Practice facilities include a driving range with 18 outdoor and 12 covered positions, plus a putting green and a pitching area with a practice bunker. Golf carts and trolleys are available to hire.
The substantial clubhouse sits between the 9th and 18th holes and includes changing facilities, a pro shop, swimming pool and fitness facilities. Il Golfino restaurant serves traditional Emilia-Romagna dishes with a modern touch, while a small on-site hotel makes overnight golf stays possible.
Bologna Airport
48km
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
Castellarano is a peaceful base for a golf holiday in Emilia-Romagna, combining a challenging countryside course with medieval character and easy access to Modena and Reggio Emilia. Set beside the River Secchia and surrounded by rolling hills, it is ideal for golfers who want a quieter Italian experience centred on scenery, regional food and relaxed evenings. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 60 kilometres away by road, with the drive taking approximately one hour. Hiring a car is recommended.
The main golfing attraction is San Valentino Golf Club, located in a green valley outside Castellarano. Its 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 6,203 metres and follows naturally hilly terrain through woodland and open pasture. Frequent elevation changes, fast greens, defensive bunkering and four lakes create a varied test where good positioning is often more valuable than distance. The club has previously hosted Italian and national federation championships.
A five-hole executive course, driving range and dedicated putting and short-game areas provide additional practice opportunities. The wider estate includes accommodation, a restaurant, swimming pool and other leisure facilities, making it possible to organise a convenient stay-and-play break without travelling after every round.
Away from golf, Castellarano retains much of its original medieval layout. Visitors can explore the Rocchetta fortress, Clock Tower, historic churches and stepped streets before following walking routes through the surrounding hills and villages.
Modena and Reggio Emilia are both suitable for day trips. The wider region is famous for Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, Lambrusco and dishes including pumpkin tortelli and gnocco fritto. Maranello’s Ferrari Museum can also add a taste of Emilia-Romagna’s motoring heritage to the itinerary.
We particularly recommend Castellarano during spring and early autumn, when the countryside is attractive and temperatures are generally better suited to golf and sightseeing.
