Tucked away in the hills of Umbria, Italy, Antognola Golf Course spans over 1,000 square feet and is centred around a restored 12th-century castle, blending history, luxury and modernity. It’s a great option for golfing in Umbria and will be part of the Six Senses resort due to open in 2026. The course has been linked to some of Italy’s biggest names, such as Mariano Di Vaio, who has honed his golfing chops over the past few years, bringing fame to the course and Italian golf as a whole. This is all due to Italy establishing itself as a top golfing destination.
“Antognola Golf offers a unique experience in Italy, combining world-class golf with breathtaking natural beauty and deep history,” golf director Cesar Bruguière told The Hollywood Reporter . “The course itself has been expertly designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose name is synonymous with excellence in golf course design. His design blends perfectly with the dramatic contours of the Umbrian countryside, creating a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all levels.”
Antognola is known not only for its challenging course but also for its beautiful views overlooking the hilltop castle. Designed by American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features cliff-hugging fairways, water hazards and sustainable fairway grass on 18 holes, attracting amateur and experienced golfers from the USA, UK and other European countries.
“Golf in Italy is experiencing a golden age, and it is crucial that more Italians embrace this great sport as part of their lifestyle,” says Bruguiere. The Italian government has been active in positioning Italy as a golf destination. When Americans visit Italy, it’s not golf that draws them there, but rather the historical sites and Mediterranean coast. However, advances such as Rome hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup have put Italy on the map as a golf destination, and when Antognola hosted the 2019 PGA Italian Championship, the golf world began to take notice.
“These events have ignited a passion for golf throughout Italy and now is the perfect time for Italians to immerse themselves in the world of golf,” said Bruguiere, adding: “Our courses are maintained to the highest international standards respecting high sustainability criteria, with Antognola having been GEO certified twice. It’s not just a game, it’s a journey through time and nature wrapped in unique elegance.”
Six Senses Approaching
The upcoming Six Senses Resort is currently under construction, allowing visitors easy access to the course. From the car park, it’s a short walk past the putting green to a restaurant serving Umbrian specialities such as truffle pasta. Opposite the restaurant is a gift shop where you can purchase Antognolla apparel and golf equipment. The castle that sits atop the mountain is thought to have once been the home of a lord who protected the area throughout history. Overlooking the course, it has also been a Benedictine monastery and privately owned by various families.
“Six Senses at Antognola is committed to offering an elevated lifestyle experience deeply rooted in the brand’s core values of wellness, sustainability and connection to nature,” continues Bruguiere. That part of the resort is currently under construction and will feature suites, rooms and a restaurant overlooking the 18 holes. Directly opposite the castle, the modern part of the resort is under construction and will feature the renowned Six Senses Spa, restaurants, a restored church, an interdenominational courtyard for weddings, hiking trails and 17 new residences.
“This partnership will give members access to some of the most exclusive amenities in the world, including a spa offering personalized wellness programs to balance the mind, body and spirit while drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the surrounding area,” adds Bruguiere.All residences will be named Borgo Massarello and will feature one- to four-bedroom options, celebrating European culture and the charm of family life.
Golf with Mariano Di Vaio
Antognolla is Mariano Di Vaio’s favorite course. “One of the things I love about Antognolla is its landscape,” the model, fashion designer and entrepreneur told The Hollywood Reporter. “I thank God that I travel a lot and get to see so many beautiful places, but there’s something magical here. The castle is set against a beautiful landscape. There are so many reasons to come here. I’m very passionate about where I come from. As I get older, I become more proud of my roots and where I come from. It reminds me of my grandmother’s hometown. Antognolla gives me a feeling of home, of family.”
One of the first fashion bloggers to find success in Italy and internationally, Di Vaio won numerous awards and began appearing in front of the camera as a model. Upon returning to the US, he went on to star in successful fashion campaigns for brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Diesel and Tommy Hilfiger. He then pivoted again, launching his own men’s fashion brand, Nohow, in 2014 and now a golf line.
“Golf takes me away from everyday life. Not in a bad way, but nature gives me a sense of serenity when I’m on the golf course, and all that matters in that moment is that little white ball. When I put all my energy and focus into that little thing, everything else slows down a little bit. It’s about going back to a slow life, which is hard these days,” says Di Vaio. He started playing golf when his first child was born. Before taking up the sport, Di Vaio wouldn’t say he was a very patient person, but playing golf has helped him to be more patient. “Golf makes you humble. You need something to drive you in golf, and I found little things in golf that drive me,” he adds.
Now with a successful fashion brand that ships all over the world, the father of four and married to his company’s general counsel, trained lawyer Eleonora Brunacci Di Vaio, he finds satisfaction in balancing his business ventures, family life, modelling and a golf line that features versatile pieces that can be worn from the office to the golf course and is made from environmentally friendly materials.
“There’s a saying that guys can wear the same T-shirt for a month but when they turn up on the golf course it looks like Milan Fashion Week. Me and my friends are very conscious about what we wear on the golf course. In golf, mind is like 70 per cent important. Clothes give you confidence,” he says.
“Italy continues to thrive as a golf destination, attracting luxury leisure travelers and golf is important to Italy, as was the case with Mariano Di Vaio, whose locals have embraced the game and contributed to its development, cementing Italy’s place in the global golf world,” said Bruguiere. “His commitment to golf’s development is driven by a genuine love of the game, playing it at a high level with his children. And his passion for golf naturally intertwined with his work in fashion, leading to the launch of his own golf clothing line.”
Antognola is a place where people come together, famous or not. It’s an environment where everyone can grow and thrive in golf. When the resort is complete, it will reach new heights. “We’re not just building a resort,” adds Bruguiere. “We’re fostering a lifestyle that offers contemporary, world-class amenities while respecting Umbria’s rich cultural heritage.”