Golf Bogliaco

A challenging round of golf on historic ground

4.0 of 5 starsReviewed October 14, 2026

Bogliaco was the last course I needed to play so I could have played all the golf courses around Lake Garda and be able to join the conversation. Tired (I walked the course with my carry bag), but also very satisfied, I arrived back at the clubhouse after three and a half hours. And what can I say... It was fantastic!

Initially, I was a bit apprehensive because you always hear/read about very narrow fairways and significant elevation changes. The fairways are indeed narrow, especially on the front nine and again towards the end on the 18th, but otherwise, it's not too bad, and you can certainly get some good use from your driver now and then. The first few holes (2-4), then the climb up to the 14th (if I remember correctly), and finally the climb up to the 17th tee are quite steep and sweaty, but otherwise, the fairways are pleasantly flat with no extreme slopes. You should be reasonably fit if you plan to walk the course. Otherwise, a cart is recommended. My main reason for walking: you're not allowed to take the carts onto the fairways and are supposed to walk onto them at a right angle from the cart track. I don't like that...

The course was in acceptable condition – typical Italian... Back home, we wouldn't accept partially rotten greens or stones in the bunkers. But things can be much worse around Lake Garda. Considering the dry summer, the fairways were in very good condition. It was clear that the fairways had recently been aerated and the grass growth had been stimulated. It looked very fresh, and many a course in Germany looks more parched after this summer. They've done a good job.

Interestingly, only one groundskeeper was seen on his mower across the entire course, but on each hole, a small robotic mower was cutting the fairways at a decent pace. Modern times indeed.

The clubhouse (as far as I could tell) dates back to the founding year of 1912. The furniture is considerably newer (I'd guess from the 60s/70s), but it's also in need of some renovation. The terrace is lovely and offers a view of the first tee and (I believe) the 8th green. The food was very good for a reasonable price of €16 – the beer, on the other hand, was typically overpriced in Italy at €7.50.

Conclusion: A very exciting and entertaining round on historic ground (Bogliaco is the third oldest golf course in Italy!). Less spectacular than often described, but definitely worth a visit. It wouldn't be my daily home club, though. The course is just too hilly for my taste.

Translated by Google.