More than a century has passed since the British Ambassador and a group of sporty expatriates abandoned the gardens of the Villa Borghese to install a run of golf holes, a cricket pitch and a tennis court on sheep pastures beneath the arches of an ancient aqueduct on the southern outskirts of Rome, less than five miles from the Forum. Italy's first golf course soon expanded from 9 holes to the full 18 and won a reputation as the most exclusive club in the country, with a splendid course that consistently ranks in Italy’s top ten. Allied bomber pilots took extra care to miss it, and Montgomery, Clark and Patton were among the first to play at Acquasanta after the liberation of Rome in June 1944. Its hilly layout, blind corners and the meanders of the river Almone provide an interesting game in delightful countrified surroundings with views of the aqueduct and Castelli Romani, and more than one chance to refill your water bottle with Acqua Santa from a tee-side fountain. The cricket pitch is no more but the club has an outdoor pool and a fine restaurant. The aristocrat of Italian golf clubs is a far cry from resort golf: visitors are at best tolerated here, and should dress and behave with due respect.

Par 71 5854m
Weekdays from €100, Weekends from €120