Hidden amidst the rolling hills of the Piedmont region in northern Italy lies Bogogno Golf Resort, an elegant retreat where top-tier golfing intertwines with a tranquil, almost safari-like experience. Just an hour’s drive from Milan and a short journey from Lake Maggiore, this lush estate has been quietly building its reputation as one of Italy’s finest golf and leisure destinations.
A Golfer’s Paradise in Piedmont
Founded in 1996, Bogogno Golf Resort boasts two championship 18-hole courses designed by renowned architect Robert von Hagge: the Conte Course and the Bonora Course. These layouts offer two contrasting experiences. The Conte Course is more open, resort-style, and links-inspired, with wide fairways, sculpted bunkers, and strategic water hazards that challenge precision and offer gorgeous sightlines to the distant Monte Rosa. Meanwhile, the Bonora Course dives deep into the surrounding woods and parkland, delivering a more secluded, technical challenge where nature takes center stage.
The courses are consistently maintained to tournament-level standards, hosting numerous national and international competitions. Despite their championship status, they remain accessible and enjoyable for amateurs and mid-handicap players thanks to an intelligent design that rewards smart play rather than just power.
The resort also includes a driving range, short game area, and two putting greens, ideal for fine-tuning your game in peace. A Golf Academy with experienced pros ensures even beginners can embrace the sport in this idyllic setting.
More Than Golf: A Northern Italian Safari
What truly sets Bogogno Golf Resort apart is the wild, untouched beauty that envelopes it — a quality rarely associated with European golf resorts. The property is nestled near the Ticino Natural Park, one of the oldest regional parks in Italy and a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve. Here, guests can swap their golf shoes for hiking boots and embark on nature walks or bike rides along ancient river trails, spotting herons, deer, and foxes in their natural habitat.
Just beyond the fairways, Oasi Zegna, a protected natural area that blends alpine landscapes with wildlife and forest conservation, offers something remarkably close to a European safari experience. Though not safari in the African sense, the region offers a raw, untamed sense of adventure. Birdwatchers, in particular, will be thrilled — migratory birds use the region’s waterways as resting points, making it a rich area for spotting rare species in spring and fall.
If you’re looking for something more structured, visit the Safari Park of Pombia, just 25 minutes away. This family-friendly park spans over 400,000 square meters and houses lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes in vast enclosures that can be visited by car, mimicking the experience of a traditional safari. The park also includes an aquarium, reptile house, and amusement park, making it a full-day adventure perfect for golfers travelling with children.
Relaxation and Elegance at the Resort
After a round of golf or a morning exploring the parklands, guests can unwind at the resort’s 4-star hotel, where sleek, modern design meets rustic Italian charm. Rooms offer panoramic views of the courses or the surrounding countryside, and the outdoor pool area becomes a summer oasis framed by vineyards and forested hills.
The in-house restaurant serves classic Italian cuisine with a refined twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients, truffles from the Piedmont woods, and wines from prestigious nearby vineyards such as Ghemme and Gattinara.
Wine lovers can venture out to explore Piedmont’s wine roads, discovering boutique wineries and tasting some of Italy’s most celebrated reds and whites, including Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Erbaluce di Caluso.
Explore the Best of Lake Maggiore
Less than 30 minutes away lies Lake Maggiore, a glittering Alpine lake famed for its stunning villas, botanical gardens, and the Borromean Islands. You can take a boat trip from Stresa, visit the ornate Isola Bella, or enjoy lunch at a lakeside trattoria. The combination of lake, mountains, and manicured fairways makes Bogogno one of the few places in the world where you can play world-class golf in the morning and take a lakeside cruise in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Bogogno Golf Resort is not just a golf destination — it’s an immersive journey into the heart of northern Italy’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage. Whether you’re chasing birdies on the fairways, spotting real birds in a wildlife park, or sipping Barolo in the hills, the region offers a balance of relaxation, challenge, and discovery. For golfers seeking more than just a game — and travellers yearning for a slice of untamed Italy — Bogogno might just be the perfect place to tee off.
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