Santo Stefano Golf Club

Nine holes, par 64, and an old farmstead in the heart of Emilia’s Food Valley: The Santo Stefano Golf Club in Campagnola Emilia combines a short, technical course with an extra dose of la dolce vita, featuring a pool, Parmesan, and Lambrusco.

The course is located on flat terrain in the Po Valley, less than 20 kilometers north of Reggio Emilia. Spanning approximately 4,146 meters (Yellow, two laps around the nine holes), a compact par-64 course designed by architect Anselmo Asioli in 1996 awaits you—perfect for a quick nine-hole round after work or a leisurely 18-hole round on the weekend.

Add to that a green fee starting at about 25 euros, a floodlit driving range, and a restaurant that takes the region's cuisine seriously. If you're planning your Golf Vacations in Emilia-Romagna If you're planning a trip, Santo Stefano is a charming, laid-back stop away from the big resorts.

The Course: 9 holes, par 64 in the Po Valley

The Santo Stefano Golf Club is a nine-hole course—and that’s really all there is to it. If you want to play 18 holes, simply play the course twice: two rounds of par 32 each add up to a par 64 over about 4,146 meters from the yellow tees (3,708 meters from the red tees). This clearly places Santo Stefano among the short, technical courses rather than the long championship layouts with five par-5 holes.

The course lies perfectly flat in the Po Valley, nestled between fields and rows of old trees. Since there’s hardly any elevation change, it’s not brute power that matters here, but precise golf: You place the ball in the right area from the tee to the green, navigate around a few water hazards and bunkers, and work your way toward the green hole by hole. This is perfect for beginners and those returning to the game, because you’ll play many short par-3 and par-4 holes here and hone your short game.

Who designed the Santo Stefano Golf Club?

The course was designed by Italian architect Anselmo Asioli, who opened the facility in 1996. The course is certified by the Federazione Italiana Golf as a regulation course („campo regolamentare tipo A“)—so you can officially count your rounds here toward your handicap.

Asioli’s design is typical of the Po Valley: no spectacular dunes or monster doglegs, but rather a neatly laid-out parkland course that makes use of trees, small waterways, and well-placed bunkers. The result is a fair, easy-to-play course that doesn’t overwhelm beginners while still offering experienced players a solid test of their golfing skills.

What can you expect to find around the square?

Santo Stefano is more than just nine holes. At its heart is a restored, almost medieval-looking courtyard complex with a clubhouse, conference room, and locker rooms. Right next to it is an outdoor pool—worth its weight in gold in the height of summer, when the Po Valley shimmers. The on-site Ristorante Santo Stefano specializes in regional cuisine, featuring Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco practically right on the doorstep.

For practice, you’ll find a lighted driving range with 12 tees (8 of which are covered), a putting green, a pitching green, and a practice bunker. You can rent clubs, trolleys, and electric carts on-site, and PGA professionals offer lessons. For those who want to stay longer: The on-site Tenuta offers accommodations right at the course—golf, a pool, and Food Valley all in one place.

Getting There and the Best Time to Visit

Santo Stefano is conveniently located in the northern part of the province of Reggio Emilia. It is about 10 kilometers from the Reggiolo exit (A22 Brenner Highway), about 15 kilometers from the Carpi exit, and about 20 kilometers from Reggio Emilia. The nearest major airports are Bologna (about 60 kilometers), Parma, and Verona—all easily accessible via the Brenner route for golfers traveling from German-speaking countries.

The course is open year-round. The most pleasant times to play are in the spring (April through June) and fall (September through October), when temperatures are mild and the course is lush and green. Midsummer in the Po Valley can get hot and humid—so it’s worth teeing off early and then taking a dip in the pool afterward.

Who would benefit from joining the Santo Stefano Golf Club?

Santo Stefano is especially worth a visit for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a compact, hassle-free golfing experience. With green fees starting at around 25 euros, you can play here affordably, practice your short game on a well-equipped range, and perfectly combine your day of golf with a culinary tour through the Food Valley. The course is also perfect for a quick round after work or as a relaxing stopover on a road trip through Emilia-Romagna.

Santo Stefano is less suitable if you’re expecting a long, 18-hole championship course with a par of 72, several par-5 holes, and a comprehensive resort package—the nine-hole course is deliberately too small and too short for that. But if you appreciate technical, fair golf and Italian hospitality, this is the place for you. You can find more destinations in our overview of Golf in Italy.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or operator of the golf course mentioned and makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information regarding prices, tee times, hours of operation, facilities, and events. Changes are subject to change at any time.

Please check all relevant information—especially green fees, tee times, and directions—directly with the golf club before your visit.