Can you play at Villa d’Este Golf Club without being a member? From tee times to dining and unique golf experiences, here’s what travelers should know.
When most people think of Lake Como, they picture elegant villas, picturesque lakeside villages, private boat tours, and beautiful hotels. But beyond the waterfront lies another side of the region worth discovering, particularly for golf enthusiasts.
During my recent visit to Lake Como, I had the opportunity to explore Circolo Golf Villa d’Este, a historic golf club tucked into the wooded hills of Montorfano, just outside Como.
Founded in 1926, the club is celebrating its centenary in 2026. Its 18-hole, par-69 course was designed by Peter Gannon and has hosted the Italian Open an impressive 12 times.
For travelers who enjoy combining their favorite activities with luxury travel, this is an experience worth considering.
Can Tourists Play at Villa d’Este Golf Club?
One of the first questions international travelers may have is whether they can actually play at Villa d’Este Golf Club without being members.
The good news is that visiting golfers can be accommodated, subject to availability and the club’s requirements.
Advance reservations are essential, and visitors should be prepared to provide proof of their handicap from their home golf club. Published visitor information lists a maximum handicap of 54.
For international travelers, I recommend confirming eligibility, tee-time availability, equipment rentals, and any applicable club policies before finalizing an itinerary.
How Much Does It Cost to Play?
Published 2026 visitor rates provide a helpful starting point:
- 18 holes during the main season (May–October): approximately €165 per person.
- 18 holes during selected shoulder-season dates: approximately €140 per person.
- Golf cart rental: approximately €65.
- Club rental: approximately €50.
Rates are subject to change, and certain experiences or services may be priced separately.
The club also offers practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and an approach area.
For travelers visiting Italy without their golf equipment, confirming rental availability in advance can make incorporating a round into a Lake Como vacation considerably easier.
Beyond 18 Holes: Unique Golf Experiences at Villa d’Este
Not every traveler wants to dedicate an entire day to golf, and that’s what makes the club’s curated experiences particularly interesting.
Villa d’Este offers several ways to enjoy the setting, including:
Morning Nine Holes with Lunch
Begin the day with nine holes before enjoying a leisurely lunch. It’s a wonderful option for visitors who want to experience the course while leaving the rest of their afternoon free to explore Lake Como.
Evening Golf and an Aperitivo
For a different experience, the club offers a sunset nine-hole option followed by a gourmet aperitif featuring local specialties and Franciacorta wines.
There’s something distinctly Italian about combining an afternoon of golf with an aperitivo.
Additional experiences include rounds accompanied by a PGAI golf professional and personalized lessons for children ages 5–14.
These offerings are particularly appealing for couples or families traveling together who may have different interests or skill levels.
Availability, eligibility, and booking arrangements should be confirmed directly before travel.
Can You Visit Villa d’Este Golf Club Without Playing Golf?
One of the most interesting aspects of the club is that the experience isn’t limited to golfers.
La Terrazza al Golf, the club’s restaurant, welcomes both members and outside guests for lunch and dinner.
Overlooking the 18th hole, the terrace offers a peaceful setting surrounded by the course’s natural landscape.
The dining concept is led by Chef Orazio Stella, with oversight from Villa d’Este Executive Chef Andrea Guerini, bringing together regional Italian culinary traditions and contemporary influences.
For couples traveling together, this offers a lovely possibility: one person enjoys a round of golf while the other joins afterward for lunch or dinner.
Restaurant reservations are recommended.
Where Is Villa d’Este Golf Club?
The club is located in Montorfano, in the hills outside Como.
Address: Via per Cantù 13, 22030 Montorfano, Italy.
It’s important to distinguish the golf club from the famous Villa d’Este hotel in Cernobbio. They are separate properties, approximately 14 kilometers apart.
The golf course is surrounded by chestnut, birch, and pine trees, with a landscape that feels quite different from the bustling lakefront.
For guests staying around Lake Como, a private transfer can be arranged as part of a personalized itinerary.
The club generally operates from March through December, with Tuesdays listed as its regular closing day. Seasonal schedules and exceptions should be confirmed before visiting.
Is Villa d’Este Golf Club Worth Adding to Your Lake Como Itinerary?
For travelers who love golf, absolutely worth considering.
But even beyond the sport itself, Villa d’Este Golf Club represents something I appreciate about traveling through Italy: discovering experiences that reveal a different side of a familiar destination.
Lake Como may be known for its glamorous waterfront hotels and iconic villas, but the region has much more to offer.
Whether it’s a morning on the course, a private golf lesson, or a leisurely lunch overlooking the greens, experiences like these can make a trip feel more personal.
Planning a Lake Como vacation?
As a luxury travel advisor specializing in Italy and curated European experiences, I help travelers discover exceptional accommodations, unique activities, and thoughtful details that bring an itinerary together.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a luxury golf holiday in Italy, or a personalized Lake Como getaway, I’d love to help you create an experience that reflects the way you love to travel.
Start planning your Lake Como getaway with Mlle Jolain Travels.
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