For the first time in history, the Ryder Cup will be played in Italy.
This near-century-old golf tournament has only been played in three other countries outside of the United States and the United Kingdom: Spain (‘97), Ireland (‘06), and France (‘18). With the 2023 Ryder Cup rolling into Rome, now is the perfect excuse to finally take that long-awaited Italian vacation.
The Eternal City is a treat for first-time and long-time visitors alike, offering hours worth of sightseeing, exceptional dining, and ease of access to the Ryder Cup’s host course, Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
Ryder Cup Rome 2023: Need to Know
When is the Ryder Cup 2023?
The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place between September 25 and October 1, 2023.
Where is the 2023 Ryder Cup Location?
The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy. This stadium golf course features undulating greens, rolling fairways, and a restored 11th-century castle.
Who are the 2023 Ryder Cup Captains?
Zach Johnson was named the Captain for the United States Team while Luke Donald has been named the European Captain. Steve Stricker and Davis Love III will serve as Vice Captains for the U.S. Team; Thomas Bjorn, Nicolas Colsaerts, and Edoardo Molinari will serve as Vice Captains of the European Team.
What’s the best way to travel in Italy to the Ryder Cup?
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is located northeast of Rome’s city center, approximately 10 miles away. Bus lines, rideshares, and rental cars each offer affordable, convenient means of transportation between the golf course and the city.
International visitors arriving in Rome will be pleased to know that there are direct train routes from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO), Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA), and Civitavecchia Port into Rome’s city center.
Image Credit: Getty Images, sborisov. Image Location: Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy.
Enjoying Rome During Ryder Cup 2023
There’s more than one reason why Rome’s known as the Eternal City: you could spend an eternity uncovering its many historical sites and mouth-watering restaurants. Whether you’re playing through Rome for a few hours or intend on staying in the city for more than the 19th hole, here are a few ways to tee-up a memorable visit:
- Eat your way through the city, gorging on both Michelin-starred meals and familial plates made the same way for centuries.
- Check another country off of your travel list when you wander into the micronation, Vatican City.
- See the iconic Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain so you’ll have no choice but to visit again.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Atlantide Phototravel. Image Location: Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Other Great Golf Vacations Near Rome
You don’t need to pack up your clubs when the final Ryder Cup putt drops. Take advantage of Italy’s gorgeous autumn weather and play a few rounds at the country’s most stunning, challenging, and renowned golf courses.
- Hit one over the water and play at Verdura Resort in Sicily. Hop the train from Rome down to the Italian island where you’ll find three courses with Mediterranean Sea views.
- Work on your bite in the Emile-Romagna region at Golf Club Bologna, only a chip shot from Rome by train. This classic Italian course is set on the rolling countryside and has one of the top ten club restaurants in the country, Al Pappagallo.
- Win or lose, the perfect way to end a Ryder Cup weekend is with a week of relaxation at Lake Como. It’ll be tough choosing between the lakeside links at Menaggio e Cadenabbia Golf Club and Golf Club Lecco’s tee boxes at the foot of the Alps. Best to sleep on it during an overnight train from Rome.
Looking for train tickets?
Consider the Trainline app your personal caddie, yardage book, and scorecard. You can instantly see route times and distances, get advice about your destination, and purchase tickets at prices below par.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, ArtMassa