San Domenico Golf

Imagine a tee box beyond which the blue of the Adriatic Sea begins and centuries-old olive trees cast their shade onto the fairway: San Domenico Golf Located on the Apulian coast near Savelletri di Fasano, this 18-hole links course, a par 72, is over 6,300 meters long—and is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in southern Italy.

The course is just a few steps away from the ancient city of Egnazia, nestled amid the Mediterranean scrub of thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can see the sea from almost every hole—and here, the wind is as much a part of the game as the olive trees.

Here you'll find all the facts about the course, its design, and amenities, as well as information on green fees, how to get there, and tips for your Golf Vacation in Apulia.

The Course: 18 holes nestled among olive groves and the Adriatic Sea

San Domenico Golf stretches over a good 6,300 meters—6,361 meters from the championship tees—across flat, Mediterranean coastal terrain. The links course has almost no significant elevation changes. Instead, you’ll be challenged by the wind, which blows here almost year-round and is sometimes your ally, sometimes your adversary.

The fairways are lined with Bermuda grass designed with roughs featuring tricky fescue (Festuca) and greens featuring the fast variety Pencross. The greens are fairly wide and not very steep—yet they’re anything but easy to read.

Three holes stand out in my memory: the Par 3 on Hole 3 over 200 meters long, where the wind is often head-on; the photogenic par-4 on the 7th hole; and Hole 16, a par-5 hole measuring 560 meters—the longest hole and also the one closest to the sea.

Who designed San Domenico Golf?

The architect designed the course Andy Haggar Designed in the Mediterranean style, shaped by Brian L. Jorgensen, and built by European Golf Design from London—built to the USGA’s strict standards. San Domenico Golf opened in the summer of 2003. The project was spearheaded by Apulian entrepreneur and attorney Sergio Melpignano, who brought international golf to his home region.

Tournaments, Sustainability, and Our Own Olive Oil

Shortly after it opened, San Domenico became the venue for major tournaments. For eight consecutive years, the course hosted the grand final of the European Challenge Tour Professionals such as Álvaro Quirós and Rafael Cabrera Bello have played here. The Italian PGA Championship and the national open were also held here.

In 2019, San Domenico Golf received the international GEO Certificate for sustainable golf courses. The extra virgin olive oil used in the clubhouse restaurant comes directly from the olive groves of Masseria San Domenico—literally “KM 0.”.

San Domenico Golf and Borgo Egnazia

Today, the square is part of the world of Borgo Egnazia and Masseria San Domenico—two of Puglia’s most famous luxury destinations. Golfers here often combine their round with a few days at a typical whitewashed masseria, complete with a spa, the Adriatic Sea, and Puglian cuisine. The ancient archaeological site of Egnazia, right next door, turns a round of golf into something of a cultural excursion.

Getting There, Best Time to Visit, and Green Fees

The nearest airports are Brindisi (about 50 km) and Bari (about 60 km); from there, you can reach the course in about an hour by rental car. Thanks to the mild climate, San Domenico Golf is open practically year-round—the most pleasant times to play are in the spring (April through June) and in the fall (September/October), when temperatures are mild and the course is less crowded.

The Green Fee ranges from about 95 to 150 € (approximate), depending on the season. It's best to check with the club directly for current prices and start times. You can find more courses in the region in our overview of the Golf Courses in Apulia.

Who would enjoy San Domenico Golf?

If you want to combine golf with ocean views, a mild climate, and a touch of la dolce vita, you’ve come to the right place: The course rewards strategic play, but thanks to its wide fairways, it’s also forgiving of the occasional wayward tee shot. The real challenge lies less in the layout than in the wind—those who can read it will play their best round here.

San Domenico is less than ideal if you’re looking for narrow, winding parkland holes or want to play in a setting completely sheltered from the wind. As part of the Borgo Egnazia experience, the course is particularly well-suited for golf travelers who want to combine sports, fine dining, and the coast into a relaxing getaway. You can find more ideas on this topic 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.