Lanzo Golf Club

Imagine standing at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, with Lake Como shimmering below you, the Swiss border behind you—and nine holes winding their way through mountain forests and clearings ahead of you. That’s exactly what the Lanzo Golf Club is: a par-68 course in the Valle Intelvi that you can play as a full 18-hole round thanks to dual tees.

The club was founded back in 1962 and designed by the renowned architect Donald Harradine. From the yellow tees, the course measures 5,094 meters; from the red tees, 4,481 meters—not a long, long-drive course, but a technical mountain course where precise shots count more than sheer distance. The high elevation ensures that it remains pleasantly cool here even in the height of summer, while the heat lingers in the valley.

Lanzo is a genuine high-altitude course: The season runs only from about mid-March to mid-November, but in return you get panoramic views, peace and quiet, and reasonable green fees starting at around 35 euros. If you want to combine golf with mountains and a lake, it’s a great addition to your Golf Vacations in Lombardy.

The Course: Nine mountain holes spread over 1,000 meters

The Lanzo Golf Club is a classic 9-hole mountain course: You play nine holes, which—thanks to two sets of tees per hole—count as a full 18-hole round with a par of 68. From the yellow men’s tees, the course measures 5,094 meters; from the red women’s tees, 4,481 meters. That may sound short—but at an elevation of 1,000 meters, with holes that wind through forests and clearings, rhythm and precision matter more here than sheer distance.

The high elevation is part of the appeal: While the summer heat shimmers in the valley by Lake Como, it remains noticeably cooler on the Piano delle Noci plateau. Between the holes, views of the surrounding mountains and the valley open up time and again. Expect undulating terrain, narrow fairways, and greens that demand your full concentration—a course for smart, controlled golf rather than long shots.

Who designed the Lanzo Golf Club?

The course was designed by Donald Harradine, one of the most influential golf architects of the 20th century in the Alpine region. Harradine, who worked out of Switzerland for decades, designed countless mountain and foothill courses in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, and was known for carefully integrating his courses into the existing landscape.

This signature style is clearly evident in Lanzo: Rather than moving earth on a large scale, the course—which opened in 1962—follows the natural contours of the mountain forest. The result is a compact course full of character that makes the most of its trees and elevation changes—typical of Harradine and a piece of golf history in the Valle Intelvi.

Facilities, Training, and Club Life

Despite its modest size, the club offers you a solid practice facility. The driving range features six covered and eight open tees, plus a putting green, a pitching green, and a practice bunker—enough to warm up all your shots before your round. You can rent clubs, trolleys, and e-carts on-site, and a PGA pro is available for lessons.

The clubhouse, with its sun terrace and restaurant, is the social hub of the course—it’s the perfect place to wind down after a round while enjoying the view of the greens. You’ll need a valid membership card to play; the handicap limit is 54, so even less experienced golfers are welcome to play. Since the course is small and popular, you should reserve your tee time in advance.

Getting There and the Best Time to Visit

Lanzo d’Intelvi is located in the Valle Intelvi, the mountain valley between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. From Lake Como, drive through Argegno and up the winding mountain road into the valley—a distance of about 30 kilometers, for which you should allow a little extra time due to the hairpin turns. Lugano Airport is only about 10 kilometers away as the crow flies, while the larger airports in Milan-Malpensa and Bergamo are a good one to one-and-a-half hours away by car.

Because it’s a true high-altitude destination, the season runs only from about mid-March to mid-November. The best time to visit is from May through September, when the high elevation ensures pleasant temperatures and the valley is a lush green. In midsummer, Lanzo is an ideal escape from the heat of the Po Valley—an advantage that low-lying areas simply can’t offer.

Who would benefit from joining the Lanzo Golf Club?

Lanzo is especially worth a visit if you want to combine golf with scenic views: for vacationers on Lake Como or Lake Lugano looking for a relaxing round against a mountain backdrop, for players with medium to higher handicaps (up to 54 is allowed), and for anyone who prefers the cooler mountain air to the hot lowlands in the height of summer. It’s also a great choice as a quick 9-hole after-work or family course with reasonable green fees starting at around 35 euros.

This course is less suitable if you’re expecting a long, 18-hole championship course with tournament-length holes, year-round playability, or a large resort setting—Lanzo is too small, too short, and, due to its elevation, too seasonal for that. But if you appreciate charm, tranquility, and panoramic views, you’ll find a little gem here. You can find more courses throughout the country in our overview at 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.