The intersection of golf and tourism has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding sectors. An increasing number of travellers are now selecting destinations not solely for their artistic treasures and scenic beauty, but for the chance to experience world-class fairways and greens. In this evolving landscape, Rome and the Lazio region are ascending as prominent players, leveraging their unparalleled historical patrimony, natural splendour, and a growing circuit of clubs. To explore the evolution of golf travel and its strategic future, we spoke with Pietro Gasbarra, President of Parco di Roma Golf Club, an establishment renowned for its excellence and a cornerstone of the capital’s golf scene.
On the phenomenon of golf travel and its place in the broader tourism market:
Pietro Gasbarra: Golf travel is a robust growth sector, fusing athletic pursuit with tourism and a distinct lifestyle. The contemporary experience transcends the game itself; it is a holistic immersion into local culture, cuisine and the discovery of a region. While the market is well-established across much of Europe, Italy is gaining significant traction, bolstered by the international spotlight of the 2023 Ryder Cup. This segment attracts a discerning, high-value international clientele for whom service quality is paramount.
On the competitive advantages of Rome and Lazio compared to other Italian regions:
P.G: The competitive edge for Rome and Lazio is exceptional. Where else can one explore the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums and within the same day, tee off on a championship-level course? It is a proposition few global destinations can match.
On the unique status of his own club:
P.G: The Parco di Roma Golf Club is singular—the only course within the city’s urban perimeter. It is an oasis that blends sport with evocative panoramas and ancient archaeology. Whereas regions like Lombardy and Veneto have a deep-rooted golf tradition, Rome leverages its universal appeal, central location, and its immense existing tourist draw, which we can now channel toward the golf experience.
On international tourism and the future of Italian golf:
P.G: The trajectory for Italian golf rests on two critical pillars: uncompromising quality and seamless integration with the nation’s broader cultural and tourist offerings. We possess magnificent courses and facilities, but the imperative is to collaborate systematically, with the hospitality industry, institutions, and regional authorities, to present a unified destination. Italy is uniquely positioned to become a European golf leader, not just for its climate and landscapes, but for its capacity to deliver the authentic, rich experience the modern golf traveler seeks.
On the role of the Parco di Roma Golf Club in this national ambition:
P.G: The Parco di Roma serves as an ideal gateway for this burgeoning market. Our location offers a powerful introduction to golf travel. Our strategy is dual-focused: nurturing our local community while expanding our appeal to a global audience. Notably, in a country struggling to attract new players, we maintain one of Italy’s most robust youth programs—an investment in the sport’s future and a value for families seeking a welcoming community. Our mission is to help position Rome as a golf capital, capable of hosting elite events and offering visitors a more layered and complete way to engage with the Eternal City.
Golf travel, in essence, is more than a passing trend; it represents a substantive opportunity for elevating Italian tourism on the world stage. With its peerless cultural assets and a maturing golf infrastructure, Rome, and Italy at large, stands poised to become a premier destination. If the nation can successfully weave its sporting excellence into its rich tourist tapestry, golf may well become a powerful engine for attracting a global audience, telling the story of Italian authenticity from the pristine vantage of the green.
