Play Golf in Rome – Ryder Cup Marco Simone Golf Club Guide

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is more than a golf course — it’s where the 2023 Ryder Cup was contested, where Europe defeated the United States, and where every international golfer planning a trip to Italy now wants to play. If you’re searching for the best Golf in Rome, this is where your story begins.

This is the complete guide for international golfers planning a Ryder Cup pilgrimage to Italy: what makes Marco Simone special, how to play the championship course, where to stay in Rome, and how to combine golf with the eternal city’s history, gastronomy, and culture.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: the Ryder Cup Course

Located just 17 km northeast of Rome in Guidonia Montecelio, Marco Simone sits on rolling Roman countryside with one of the most spectacular skyline views in world golf — on clear days you can see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the distance.

The 18-hole championship course was originally designed by Jim Fazio (brother of Tom Fazio) and David Mezzacane in 1991. In preparation for the 2023 Ryder Cup, the layout was completely redesigned by Tom Fazio II and Dave Sampson, who reshaped 17 of the 18 holes to create a true Ryder Cup arena.

What makes Marco Simone unique is his distinctive golfing style, marked by a powerful swing and an aggressive approach to the game. He achieved significant success on the European Tour, winning multiple tournaments including the Order of Merit in 1999. Beyond his playing career, he is also recognised for his commentary work and his positive attitude towards the sport.

• 4 miles 375 yards from the championship tees, par 71
• Strategic risk-reward holes designed for match play
• Vast natural amphitheatre-like greens — the very same ones that hosted over 50,000 spectators at the 2023 Ryder Cup
• Iconic 16th hole, “the Cathedral” with views of Rome on the horizon
• Bunkers and water hazards positioned exactly where you don’t want them

This isn’t a links course or a parkland course — it’s a modern stadium course designed to deliver drama, similar in spirit to TPC Sawgrass or Whistling Straits. Every shot counts.

The 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone

For the first time since the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama, the biennial competition was held in continental Europe outside the UK and Ireland. Team Europe, captained by Luke Donald, defeated the United States 16½ to 11½ in front of a partisan Italian crowd, with memorable performances from Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and rookie Ludvig Åberg.

For golfers visiting today, walking the same fairways where Jon Rahm chipped in or where Tommy Fleetwood holed his winning putt is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of the pin positions used during the Ryder Cup are still marked, allowing you to recreate those iconic shots.

How do you play Marco Simone?

Marco Simone is a private members’ club, but tee times are available to international visitors through a select group of authorised tour operators — Golf Tour Experience is one of them. Direct bookings from outside Italy are rarely possible.

Practical information:

• Best season: April–June and September–October (avoid the heat of July–August and the cold of December–January)
• Green feefrom €350 (premium pricing reflects the Ryder Cup status)
• Dress code: collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, soft-spike golf shoes
• Caddie service: highly recommended (€80–120) — the course is technical and walking is encouraged
• Advance tee-time booking: minimum 30 days, ideally 60–90 days during the high season

Where to stay in Rome for your golf trip

Marco Simone is a 30-minute drive from central Rome. We recommend staying in the city centre so you can combine golf with Rome’s unrivalled cultural attractions, then driving (or taking our private transfers) to the course.

Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie ★★★★★

Just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo, Rocco Forte’s flagship Roman hotel is a favourite among celebrities and discerning travellers. The secret garden in the inner courtyard, the De Russie Spa and the Stravinskij Bar make it a destination in its own right.

👉 Stay & Play package: An Unforgettable Experience in Rome — 3 nights at the Hotel de Russie + 1 round at Marco Simone + private transfers + concierge service in the Vatican area.

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel ★★★★★

Set on Monte Mario hill with sweeping views over Rome, the Cavalieri offers the only true resort experience in the city — an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and the Michelin three-star The Pergola. Perfect for golfers looking for hotel-standard facilities.

👉 Stay & Play package: Cavalieri Experience — 3 nights at Rome Cavalieri + 1 round at Marco Simone + spa and dining included.

Combine Rome with Florence and Sicily

For travellers wanting a multi-stop Italian luxury golf experience, our The Rocco Forte Experience Italy combines Florence, Rome, and Sicily across the Rocco Forte hotel collection — including Marco Simone, Olgiata, and Ugolino in Florence, and Verdura Resort in Sicily.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Rome between rounds: **Art and Culture:** * **Visit the Borghese Gallery:** This stunning gallery houses masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Booking tickets in advance is essential. * **Explore the Capitoline Museums:** Located on Capitoline Hill, these museums offer a fantastic collection of Roman art and sculpture. * **Wander through the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel:** Even if you've been before, there's always something new to discover. Again, book tickets well in advance. * **Discover lesser-known churches:** Rome has hundreds of beautiful churches, many with incredible art and history. Consider Santa Maria Maggiore, San Luigi dei Francesi (with Caravaggio paintings), or San Clemente (with layers of history). * **Admire street art:** Explore neighbourhoods like Ostiense or the Quadraro district for vibrant and thought-provoking street art. **Historical Sites (Beyond the Obvious):** * **Trajan's Market:** Considered the world's first shopping centre, this ancient complex is fascinating to explore. * **The Baths of Caracalla:** Imagine the scale of Roman public baths with these impressive ruins. * **Domus Aurea (Nero's Golden House):** If open for tours, this is a truly opulent and historically significant site. * **Castel Sant'Angelo:** Once Hadrian's mausoleum, this fortress has served many purposes and offers great views of the city. **Relaxation and Atmosphere:** * **Take a stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens:** Escape the city bustle and enjoy a peaceful walk, rent a rowboat on the lake, or visit the Pincio Terrace for panoramic views. * **Enjoy an *aperitivo* in Trastevere:** This charming neighbourhood comes alive in the evening. Find a cosy bar, order a drink, and enjoy some complimentary snacks. * **Visit the Pantheon at a quieter time:** While popular, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more serene experience of this architectural marvel. * **Sit by a fountain:** Find a bench by the Trevi Fountain (though it's rarely quiet), the Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, or a smaller, more intimate fountain in a less crowded piazza. * **People-watch in Piazza Navona:** Admire Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this stunning piazza. **Food and Drink:** * **Take a cooking class:** Learn to make pasta or pizza from scratch. * **Go on a food tour:** Explore a specific neighbourhood's culinary delights with a guided tour. * **Visit Campo de' Fiori market:** Experience the lively atmosphere of this morning market, then sample some of the local produce. * **Discover local *enoteche* (wine bars):** Sample regional Italian wines paired with delicious antipasti. **Day Trips (if you have more time):** * **Ostia Antica:** The ancient port of Rome, offering a remarkable glimpse into Roman life with well-preserved buildings and mosaics. **Tips for Between Rounds:** * **Book in advance:** For popular attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery, booking tickets online well ahead of time is crucial to avoid long queues or disappointment. * **Wear comfortable shoes:** You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets! * **Stay hydrated:** Especially in warmer months, carry a water bottle and refill it at Rome's many public drinking fountains (*nasoni*). * **Embrace the *dolce far niente*:** The "sweetness of doing nothing" is a key part of the Italian experience. Sometimes, simply sitting in a piazza and watching the world go by is the best activity. * **Consider a Roma Pass:** If you plan on visiting multiple attractions and using public transport, a Roma Pass might be cost-effective. Enjoy your time in Rome!

One of the great pleasures of a Roman golf trip is the contrast: 18 holes in the morning, then the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, or a long Roman lunch in Trastevere in the afternoon.

• Vatican Museums + Sistine ChapelBook a skip-the-line guided tour for 9:00 AM the day after a round.
• Colosseum and the Roman ForumA 90-minute private guide is the only way to do it properly.
• Borghese Gallery: book 4 weeks in advance, world-class art in 2 hours
• Trastevere food tour: cacio e pepe, carbonara, supplì — eat where the Romans eat
• Aperitif at Stravinskij Bar (Hotel de Russie) or the Hassler Roof Garden

Other golf courses near Rome

While Marco Simone is the headline act, the Roman countryside offers other excellent courses worth combining in a longer Italian golf trip:

• Olgiata Golf Club — Historic Roman club, hosted the 1989 Ryder Cup qualifying matches
• Acquasanta Golf Club Italy’s oldest golf club, founded in 1903, with ancient Roman aqueducts running across the course
• Parco de’ Medici Golf Club — flat course with the only sand of Rome, very playable, 15 minutes from Fiumicino airport

When to visit: Italian golf calendar

La stagione golfistica italiana si estende essenzialmente tutto l'anno, ma i periodi migliori per Roma sono:

• April–May: temperatures 18–24°C, courses in peak condition following the winter rains
• September–Octoberidentical conditions but with fewer tourists, ideal for a focused golf trip
• November–March: playable but with shorter days, occasional rain, and lower green fees

Avoid August: extreme heat, many Italians on holiday, restaurants closed.

Plan your Marco Simone golf trip

Marco Simone isn’t just a golf course — it’s a pilgrimage. For golfers from the United States, the United Kingdom, or anywhere in the world, playing on the course where the Ryder Cup was decided is a story you’ll tell for the rest of your golfing life.

Combining it with Rome’s eternal beauty makes it the trip of a lifetime.

Plan your Italian golf experience with Golf Tour Experience. We are official partners of Marco Simone Golf Club and the only Italian tour operator specialising exclusively in golf holidays. Contact us to create your bespoke golf itinerary in Rome and beyond.

📧 booking@golftourexperience.com · 📞 +39 02 39005170 · 🏌️ golftourexperience.com

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Further reading: Golf in Veneto · Golf in Apulia · Golf Map of Italy

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