MARCO SIMONE

Comment read on the Peugeot Golf Guide

You can bet that very few foreign tourists coming to visit Rome have heard of Tivoli. Yet it is one of the most magic spots imaginable, particularly with the gardens and fountains of la Villa d'Este or the archaeological wealth of the villa Adriana, the former mansion of Emperor Hadrian. The 27 holes that grace the Marco Simone golf course are less than 10 kilometres away, laid out over steeply rolling countryside (buggy recommended). Leaning against a former castle belonging to designer Laura Biagiotti, the club-house is huge and facilities luxurious, including tennis courts, swimming pool and health centre but reserved for members only. The course, designed with much imagination by architect Jim Fazio, has the merit of being tough from the back tees but easier the further forward you go, which is only logical. Water hazards and the shaping of greens and bunkers create a very American feel, tempered only by the landscape of the Roman countryside. A very good course, already mature.