Premeno Golf Club

Nine holes, an elevation of about 1,000 meters, and Lake Maggiore stretching out below you: The Premeno Golf Club—officially known as Golf Piandisole—is situated on a wooded ridge above Verbania and is one of the oldest golf courses in the region. People have been playing here since 1962, and the view from the first tee alone makes it clear why you made the trip up here.

The course has nine holes with dual tees, making for an 18-hole, par-68 layout. Set among spruce trees, rocks, and narrow fairways, this isn’t a long course, but it is a technical one—the famous 9th hole, a 372-meter par-4 with a dogleg, is considered the toughest challenge of the round.

Add to that mountain air, a cozy clubhouse, and reasonable green fees starting at 25 euros: Golf Premeno is the down-to-earth, scenic alternative to the big resorts—and a worthwhile stop for your Golf Vacation in Piedmont.

The Location: Nine Mountain Railways Above Lake Maggiore

Golf Premeno is a true mountain course. At an elevation of about 1,000 meters, nine holes nestle against a wooded slope above Lake Maggiore, laid out over approximately 220,000 square meters among spruce and larch trees and boulders. Since each hole has two tees, you’ll play 18 holes—the course is par 68 and measures approximately 5,023 meters from the yellow tees and 4,427 meters from the red tees.

The course isn't long, but it does demand precision. Narrow, tree-lined fairways, noticeable elevation changes, a few water hazards, and well-placed bunkers ensure that you'll score here with your head rather than your strength. The signature hole is No. 9: a 372-meter par-4 with a dogleg, considered the toughest hole on the course. The uphill par-3 6th hole also leaves a lasting impression. And above it all is the reason people come here: the panoramic view of the lake and the Alps.

Who designed the Premeno Golf Club?

The Premeno Golf Club opened in 1962, making it one of the oldest golf courses on Lake Maggiore. It was established as a municipal course (Campo Comunale) by the town of Premeno, which continues to operate the course in the Pian di Sole district to this day. The architect is credited as British golf course designer J.D. Harris, who designed several courses in Italy during the 1960s.

Over the decades, the course’s character has remained largely intact: a classic, natural mountain course that was integrated into the landscape without major earthworks. That’s exactly what makes it so appealing—here, you play golf just as it was intended more than 60 years ago.

Practice Facility, Clubhouse, and Restaurant

For a 9-hole mountain course, the practice facility is surprisingly well-equipped. The driving range features five covered tees, plus a putting green, a pitching and chipping area, and a practice bunker—enough to fine-tune your short game before your round, which makes all the difference on this technical course.

Visitors without their own equipment can rent clubs, hand carts, electric carts, or e-carts on site. The clubhouse has a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, featuring a bar and the La Genzianella restaurant, which serves regional cuisine (closed on Mondays). Throughout the season, the club regularly hosts tournaments, including some at the national level—yet the atmosphere remains decidedly down-to-earth and welcoming.

Getting There and the Best Time to Visit

Golf Premeno is located above Verbania on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. From Milan-Malpensa Airport, you can get there in just over an hour; from Verbania-Intra, a winding mountain road leads up to Premeno and on to the hamlet of Pian di Sole at an elevation of about 1,000 meters. If you’re driving, allow some extra time for the final switchbacks—the view is well worth it.

The season runs from April through October. Because the trail is at such a high elevation, it stays pleasantly cool here even in the height of summer, while down by the lake the heat is stifling—the ideal months are June through September. In the spring and fall, mornings can be chilly, but the surrounding forests glow with vibrant colors. This hike pairs perfectly with a few days at Lake Maggiore—for example, in the nearby lakeside town of Oggebbio and its sights Just below Premeno.

Who would enjoy the Premeno Golf Club?

The Premeno Golf Club is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine golf with mountain scenery and views. If you’re looking for a relaxed, challenging 9-hole course with character, appreciate reasonable green fees starting at 25 euros, and want to avoid the hustle and bustle of large resorts, this is the perfect place for you. The manageable yet varied course is also well-suited for beginners and families—and, as a golf stopover during a vacation on Lake Maggiore, it boasts a location of almost unrivaled beauty.

Premeno isn’t the best choice if you’re expecting a long championship course, immaculately manicured resort fairways, or the full five-star experience. The course is down-to-earth, the mountain road is long, and the round is technically challenging rather than spectacularly long. If you can live with that, you’ll find one of the most atmospheric high-altitude courses in the country. You can find more destinations and regions 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.