Teeing Off Where Legends Played: 9 Holes at Marco Simone
Play the famed Marco Simone in a half-day Ryder Cup round—no car required.
The sun is still low over the Roman countryside when your driver turns off the highway and onto a lane lined with cypress and umbrella pines. You pass a farmhouse, a vineyard, and then the manicured green of Marco Simone unfurls—fairways cut like ribbons across a landscape that has been shaped by centuries of human hands and the softer work of wind and water. On a morning like this the course breathes: dew steaming off the tees, the distant outline of Rome blurred by light, and the hum of a few other players warming up. It feels intimate and unexpectedly grand at once. This is where the Ryder Cup arrived not as a spectacle but as a place to play, to measure your swing against the same turf that hosted the finest in the sport.
Trail Wisdom
Book Morning Tee Times
Early tee times avoid heat and tend to have firmer, faster conditions that mirror championship play.
Rent Clubs Onsite
Marco Simone offers club rental so you can travel light from Rome and still play with quality equipment.
Hydrate and Snack
Bring or buy water and a small carbohydrate snack—greens fees include clubhouse access but fairways have few shade shelters.
Respect Tournament Lines
Stay behind ropes and follow staff directions—areas used for tournament infrastructure may look like spectator access but remain off-limits.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Villa d’Este (Tivoli) — Renaissance gardens and fountains
- •Hadrian’s Villa — expansive Roman ruins a short drive away
Wildlife
European Hare, Common Kestrel
Conservation Note
The course balances intensive maintenance with local ecology—respect posted areas, avoid litter, and use provided shuttles to reduce vehicle trips.
Marco Simone rose to global attention as the site of a recent Ryder Cup and sits amid centuries of Roman agricultural and garden landscapes.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Cool, comfortable rounds, Taut turf, Flowering countryside views
Challenges: Variable rain showers, Occasional soft fairways
Spring offers ideal temperatures for walking the course and clear views of the Roman hills, though showers are possible; bring a light waterproof.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Early-morning tee times, Vibrant local produce after play
Challenges: High heat, Faster greens and firmer fairways
Summer delivers blue skies and long afternoons—schedule early tee times to avoid the hottest hours and bring extra sun protection.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Quiet off-peak rounds, Pleasant walking conditions
Challenges: Shortening days, Cooler mornings
Autumn is calm and comfortable with excellent light; late-season maintenance can change green speeds so ask ahead when booking.
winter
Best for: Lower rates, Crisp, quiet days
Challenges: Wet or frost-affected turf, Limited daylight
Winter play is possible but conditions can be soggy; boots and warmer layers are recommended for early starts.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Comfortable Golf ShoesEssential
Provide traction on wet or sloping fairways while staying comfortable for a 3-hour round.
Light Rain Jacket
A compact waterproof will keep you playing if a shower rolls through.
Sunscreen and HatEssential
Protect against strong midday sun on exposed fairways.
Small Golf Glove or Grip Aid
Improves hold and comfort for a few hours of play, especially in humid conditions.
Common Questions
Do I need to bring my own clubs?
No—Marco Simone offers rental clubs as part of the experience, so you can travel light from Rome and still play quality equipment.
How long does the 9-hole experience take?
Plan for roughly three hours door-to-door on the course; total excursion time including transfers is about four to five hours.
Is transportation included from Rome?
Yes—the tour includes pickup and return from central Rome, typically a 25–35 minute drive each way depending on traffic.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes—the round is designed for all levels; the routing and staff support make it accessible for newer players as well as seasoned golfers.
Is there a dress code?
Standard golf attire is expected—collared shirts for men, appropriate golf tops for women, and no jeans; rental clubs and shoes may be available if needed.
Can I combine the round with sightseeing?
Absolutely—Tivoli’s Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa are close by and pair well with a half-day on the course if you arrange extra time.
What to Pack
Sneakers or golf shoes, sunscreen and hat, small water bottle, light wind/rain jacket—comfort, sun protection, hydration, and weather protection.
Did You Know
Marco Simone hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup, bringing the biennial tournament to Italy for the first time and putting the club on the global stage.
Quick Travel Tips
Book early-morning tee times; confirm club rentals ahead of arrival; allow 30–45 minutes of transfer time from central Rome; carry a credit card for clubhouse purchases.
Local Flavor
After your round, head into nearby Guidonia or back toward Rome for a meal: try a rustic trattoria for cacio e pepe, sample regional Lazio wines, or grab a gelato in a piazza—the same relaxed flavors that make a day on the course feel authentically Italian.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Rome Ciampino (CIA) or Fiumicino (FCO); Driving from Rome center: ~30 minutes; Cell service: generally good on course; Permits/passes: green fee and booking required—no special permits.
Sustainability Note
Play respectfully—stay on cart paths where required, minimize water use by avoiding excessive ball searches, and pack out any litter; courses near historic sites require extra care to protect surrounding habitats.
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