Few places in the world let you tee off with a view of snow-capped Alpine peaks reflected in a Mediterranean lake. In Ticino, golf is played against backdrops so stunning that even a triple bogey feels forgivable. Three exceptional courses await: Ascona, set on the shimmering shores of Lake Maggiore; Losone, framed by a lush riverside landscape where the Maggia and Melezza rivers converge; and Magliaso near Lugano, nestled between the lake and its wooded tributary. Each offers a distinct character and serious technical challenge. If you have never picked up a club, Ticino's practice areas with Pitch & Putt courses, covered bays and putting greens offer the perfect introduction.
Golf arrived in Ticino when Erwin von Riedeman founded the Magliaso course in 1923 in honour of his golf-loving wife, making it the canton's first. The Ascona Golf Club followed in 1932, and the Losone course, designed by the internationally renowned Harradine Golf firm under the direction of Peter Harradine, son of legendary architect Donald Harradine, completed the trio in 2001.
The Ascona Golf Club
Ranked among the most spectacular courses in Switzerland, the Ascona Golf Club traces its 18 holes through majestic trees along the shores of Lake Maggiore in scenery of breathtaking beauty. Since the 1930s, the club has drawn a glittering roster of affluent tourists, intellectuals, business leaders, politicians, athletes and showbiz personalities. From opening day it was hailed as "the most beautiful 9-hole in Europe", and its expansion to 18 holes in 1957 only burnished a reputation that continues to attract celebrated names from around the world. The course blends tradition with innovation, its technically demanding layout challenging professionals and newcomers alike. The Club House restaurant, with its spacious terrace overlooking the fairways, serves refined Mediterranean specialities.
The Losone Golf Club
Opened in 2001 and host to the Ladies European Tour's premier tournament from 2006 to 2012, the Losone Golf Club occupies a striking position at the confluence of the Maggia and Centovalli valleys. The Mediterranean landscape is threaded by the Melezza River flowing into the Maggia, and a stream forming small lakes accompanies players along the 18 holes. Architect Peter Harradine masterfully enhanced the area's natural beauty, creating a course that rewards golfers of every level. The front nine features short but deceptively tricky holes, while the back nine becomes progressively more technical and demanding. A three-hole Pitch & Putt course requires no handicap and provides an ideal opportunity to sharpen your short game. The Club House restaurant on the first floor serves Mediterranean cuisine.
The Lugano Golf Club
Situated in Magliaso in the picturesque Malcantone region, just a short drive from the centre of Lugano and near the airport, the Lugano Golf Club stretches across flat terrain amid birch, oak and pine woods interspersed with clusters of rhododendrons. Originally designed by architect Percy Dell, the course was expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 1970 by the renowned Donald Harradine. Extremely technical and demanding, it challenges players with near-constant water hazards and narrow fairways hemmed in by lush vegetation. The Magliasina River is flanked or crossed on at least eight occasions, providing a relentless test of precision. Long, powerful holes alternate with shorter, narrower ones where accuracy is paramount.
For a First Approach
Thinking of picking up the game during your visit? The Locarno Golf School, set near the city's Lido in the lush greenery of the Maggia delta, is the perfect starting point. It features a nine-hole Pitch & Putt course, two putting greens and a driving range.
