Riviera Golf Club

A links-style course on the edge of the Adriatic Riviera, less than a 15-minute drive from the beach in Cattolica: The Riviera Golf Club in San Giovanni in Marignano takes you through 18 holes, par 70, and 6,061 meters across an open, often windy landscape in the Conca Valley south of Rimini. Those accustomed to soft, tree-lined parkland courses will find the exact opposite here.

The course is part of the Riviera Golf Resort of the same name and opened in 2004. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, there is a 9-hole executive course (par 27) for a quick round, as well as a resort featuring 32 suites, a spa, and an 82-meter-long pool made of Noto stone. Here, golf and beach vacations are closer together than almost anywhere else in the region.

The course rating is 72.4 and the slope is 128 from the white tees: a course that rewards distance and accuracy, but doesn't intimidate beginners either. The Riviera Golf Club is one of the southernmost stops on your Golf Vacations in Emilia-Romagna.

The Course: A Left-Handed Experience Between the Adriatic Sea and the Hills

The Riviera Golf Club’s 18-hole course is designed as a links course: few trees, wide-open views, undulating fairways, and a wind that blows from the sea into the Conca Valley, changing your club selection from day to day. Spanning 6,061 meters with a par of 70, you’ll need to play strategically rather than just hitting it long.

Water hazards and deep bunkers frame many of the greens; the fairways are wide but offer no room for complacency. A Course Rating of 72.4 and a Slope of 128 show that: Played from the back tees, the course is a real challenge, while the front tees, at around 4,900 meters, make it significantly easier. If you’re short on time or want to hone your short game, the 9-hole executive course (par 27) right next door offers a quick alternative.

Who designed the Riviera Golf Club?

The course bears the hallmark of Canadian architect Graham Cooke, who, together with Italian designer Luigi Rota Caremoli, is responsible for its design. Cooke is known for his nature-inspired courses modeled after British links courses, and it is precisely this concept that he has brought to life here, south of Rimini.

The course opened in 2004. Instead of building a typical Mediterranean parkland course, the architects deliberately opted for an open, wind-swept links-style layout—a rarity on the Italian Adriatic coast and one of the reasons why the Riviera Golf Club is so popular with international guests.

Resort, Wellness, and Academy: More Than Just Golf

The Riviera Golf Club is part of a full-service resort. Facilities include a hotel with 32 suites, the Riviera Wellness Restaurant, a beauty and spa area, and a striking 82-meter-long pool made of Noto stone. For those who don’t play golf, there are tennis and beach volleyball courts and even a footgolf course.

A large practice facility is available for your game: a driving range with 20 stations, 9 of which are covered, plus putting, pitching, and chipping greens, and a practice bunker. You can book lessons through the Mauro Bianco Golf Academy. The pro shop, clubhouse, and restaurant round out the amenities, so you can easily spend an entire day or even a whole week playing golf here.

Getting There and the Best Time to Visit

The Riviera Golf Club is located at Via Conca Nuova 1236 in San Giovanni in Marignano, about a 20-minute drive south of Rimini and just a few kilometers from Cattolica and the Republic of San Marino. You can get there quickly via the A14 highway (Cattolica exit); Rimini-Miramare Airport is about 20 kilometers away, and Bologna is about 130 kilometers away.

The course is open year-round, though it’s closed on Mondays during the winter. The most pleasant times to visit are spring and early fall: April through June, as well as September and October, offer mild weather and fewer crowds at the beach. In the height of summer, an early round of golf pairs perfectly with an afternoon at the Adriatic beach, just a few minutes away.

Who would benefit from joining the Riviera Golf Club?

The course is a great choice for anyone looking to combine golf with a beach vacation: families, couples, and golf tour groups who play on the links course during the day and enjoy the Adriatic Riviera in the evening. Ambitious players will also find plenty to enjoy thanks to a rating of 72.4, a slope of 128, and the real wind factor, while the executive course and the academy make it easy for beginners to get started.

The Riviera Golf Club is less suitable if you're looking for classic, shaded parkland golf in a peaceful mountain setting—in that case, you're better off in the region's hinterland. But if you're seeking the rare links experience in Italy, you'll find one of the most exciting destinations here for 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.