Less than 10 miles from the centre of Rome, Scottish architects John Souter and Tom Dewar have built a dramatic new course in steeply undulating hill country that demands a buggy, or rope and crampons. Forget handicap certificates, long socks and tailored shorts: Arco is a well conceived no-nonsense golf club with 27 good holes and an excellent practice ground, where you turn up, pay your money, and play. The surroundings are magnificent, the value, and standard of maintenance exceptional.  Pause and take a deep breath at the 17th, the highest point of the course, admiring the long distance view of St Peter’s. Now open your shoulders for the 600 yard par 5 18th, downhill all the way to the clubhouse.

Par 71 6145m
Weekdays from €45 Weekends from €55