On the hill behind Sanremo, among olive terraces and mimosa trees, lies one of the oldest golf courses in Italy: the Circolo Golf degli Ulivi. Eighteen holes rise and fall along the slope, with the sea almost always on the horizon.
The name comes from the olive trees (ulivi) that dot the course. From Bordighera it takes about 25 minutes by car.
History
The course was created in the early 1930s on the initiative of the Riviera’s English colony, the same community that had founded the Lawn Tennis Club in Bordighera. According to tradition, the first round was played on 1 December 1931; the club was inaugurated in 1932. The course was designed by the Englishman Peter Gannon and, after years of work, took on its present form in 1972.
In the 1930s and 1940s Sanremo hosted the Italian Open several times: in 1948 it was won by Aldo Casera, a golfer born in Sanremo itself. More recently the course has hosted European Senior Tour events and the national PGA Championships.
The course
The course has 18 holes, par 69, over just over 5,200 metres. It is not very long, but it is far from easy: many tee shots are played uphill or downhill and several fairways run narrow between the trees. The most demanding hole is the 8th; the only two par 5s are the 15th and the 18th.
It is a classic course, suitable for players of every level: seemingly simple for beginners, yet able to test even the most experienced golfers.
Facilities
- Driving range to warm up before your round or work on your swing.
- Golf school (Academy) with instructors, for anyone who wants to learn or improve their game.
- Pro shop, trolley and golf cart hire.
- Restaurant and bar in the clubhouse.
Tips for your visit
- 2026 green fees: €65 on weekdays, €80 on public holidays, reduced for under-18s.
- Book: contact the club office for your tee time and to find out what requirements apply to play.
- The course is hilly: if you are not used to slopes, consider a golf cart.
- When to go: thanks to the Riviera climate you can play all year round; between January and March the mimosas are in bloom.
- Maintenance: the course closes for a few days in autumn for work on the greens: check the club’s website before setting off.
- Combine with: the road up to the golf course continues towards San Romolo and Monte Bignone; in town, the centre of Sanremo.
- Other sports in Bordighera: the Lawn Tennis Club and the Piatti Tennis Center.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes does the Sanremo golf course have?
Eighteen holes, par 69, over about 5,200 metres.
How far is the Sanremo golf course from Bordighera?
About 16 km, around twenty minutes by car.
When was the Circolo Golf degli Ulivi founded?
In 1932, by the Riviera’s English colony; according to tradition, the first round was played on 1 December 1931.
Can you play without being a member?
Yes, by paying the green fee: book with the club office and ask what requirements apply.
Can you learn to play golf in Sanremo?
Yes, the club has a school with instructors and a driving range.
