Golf Club Ugolino
Ugolino belongs to the small elite of Italian clubs that can only truly be understood by...
Ugolino belongs to the small elite of Italian clubs that can only truly be understood by playing them. Just outside Florence, it preserves a form of historic elegance that requires no special effects: the charm comes from the natural lines of the land, the maturity of the trees, the intimate relationship with the Florentine countryside and the cultured club atmosphere that has endured over time. The course does not impress through brutality but through nuance. It asks for thoughtful golf, rhythm, precision and a certain classical sensitivity, much like many long-established European clubs. For many travelers, Ugolino matters as much as a cultural golf experience as it does as a round in itself. It expresses an elegant, discreet and almost literary Italy. Integrated into a high-level Florentine stay, it becomes a deeply attractive stop, especially for golfers who value history, atmosphere and identity as much as technical performance.
Non affrontarlo come una gara di distanza: Ugolino premia il giocatore che accetta il suo linguaggio classico e lascia spazio a precisione e intelligenza.
Great historical and cultural charm
Just minutes from Florence with a strong identity
Less suitable for those seeking a contemporary resort
Maximum value for those who appreciate tradition and atmosphere
Ugolino belongs to the small elite of Italian clubs that can only truly be understood by playing them. Just outside Florence, it preserves a form of historic elegance that requires no special effects: the charm comes from the natural lines of the land, the maturity of the trees, the intimate relationship with the Florentine countryside and the cultured club atmosphere that has endured over time. The course does not impress through brutality but through nuance. It asks for thoughtful golf, rhythm, precision and a certain classical sensitivity, much like many long-established European clubs. For many travelers, Ugolino matters as much as a cultural golf experience as it does as a round in itself. It expresses an elegant, discreet and almost literary Italy. Integrated into a high-level Florentine stay, it becomes a deeply attractive stop, especially for golfers who value history, atmosphere and identity as much as technical performance.
On the technical side, the course is a parkland layout of 18 holes playing to a par of 72 with a slope rating of 131. The design was created by Cecil Blandford. Visitor ratings underline the point: outstanding course standard.
The best time to visit Golf Club Ugolino is April, May, June, September, October. Among its most appreciated strengths: Great historical and cultural charm; Just minutes from Florence with a strong identity.
The facilities include putting green, driving range, restaurant, pro shop, cart rental, caddy on request.
The nearest airport is Firenze Vespucci (FLR), approximately 1 hour by car.
What is the best time to play?+
The best time to play is April, May, June, September, October. Outside this window the club may be closed or operating with reduced services.
Is a handicap certificate required?+
Yes, Golf Club Ugolino requires a maximum handicap of 34. Contact the club directly to confirm current requirements.
How do I get to the club?+
The nearest airport is Firenze Vespucci (FLR), approximately 1 hour by car. Car rental is recommended for maximum flexibility.
Is there on-site accommodation?+
Golf Club Ugolino does not have on-site accommodation. There are various lodging options in the surrounding area; contact the club for partner recommendations.
How many holes does the course have, and how challenging is it?+
The course has 18 holes playing to a par of 72 with a slope rating of 131. It is a demanding course best suited to experienced players.
Exclusive Experiences
Secrets found in no guidebook, curated by our concierge.
Certosa del Galluzzo: la Cella dei Monaci
The Certosa del Galluzzo stands on a hill 5 km from Florence, inhabited by Cistercian monks since 1341. The monks' cells — small apartments with private gardens — open on request to the Prior: inside survive 15th-century fresco cycles by Pontormo that restoration has just brought back to light.
“Fra' Bernardo guides private visits on Thursday at 8:00 AM: he shows the original Prior's cell where Pontormo painted the Lunettes that ended up in the Uffizi — the walls still bear traces of the preparatory cartoon.”
Montevertine: le Pergole Torte Verticale
Sergio Manetti's Le Pergole Torte was the first pure Sangiovese in Tuscany to prove that the grape needed no Cabernet: the vertical from 1977 spans forty years of one of Italy's most debated and beloved wines. Martino Manetti receives by strict appointment among the Radda vineyards his father planted against every convention.
“Martino Manetti pours the 1985 only for those who know how his father was expelled from the Chianti Consortium for refusing to add Trebbiano to the wine. Bring the expulsion documents: he keeps them as a medal.”
Palazzo Magnani Feroni: la Spa Segreta di Firenze
Palazzo Magnani Feroni is a 16th-century palace converted into a 12-suite hotel in the heart of Florence's Oltrarno district. The basement spa occupies the original 16th-century cellars with pietra serena vaulting: the Olio e Pietra treatments use extra virgin olive oil from Fiesole and clay from the Chianti hills. No chain hotel knows of its existence.
“Owner Floriano Paini organises private dinners in the historic cellars with wines from his personal Maremma winery: available only for spa guests through the concierge. 8 people maximum, no fixed menu.”
Ristorante Omero: la Terrazza sui Tetti di Firenze
Tucked among the olive groves of Via del Pian de' Giullari, Omero has been here since 1942 and has never felt the need to reinvent itself. The ribollita arrives in a terracotta pot, the wild boar is from the local macchia, and from the terrace Florence spreads below you like a kept promise. This is not a restaurant — it is a moral landmark.
“Book the corner table on the terrace at sunset — the light on the bell towers is the same one Masaccio used to paint.”
Villa Gamberaia: il Giardino che Nessuno Cerca
On a ridge above Settignano overlooking both Florence and the Valdarno, Villa Gamberaia holds what Bernard Berenson considered the most perfect Renaissance garden in Italy. Water parterres cut to strict geometry, cypresses mirrored in still pools, a long nymphaeum measured in silence. The tourists are four kilometres away, queuing at the Uffizi.
“Visit on a weekday morning — the private owners open the gates by appointment only, which means you will almost certainly have the garden to yourself.”
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