Nestled in the Umbrian hills of Italy is Antognolla Golf Course. The 1,000-square-foot estate, anchored by a restored 12th-century castle, offers a mix of history, luxury and modernity. It is the best golf option in the Umbria region and will soon be part of a Six Senses resort opening in 2026. Its association with Italian celebrities like Mariano Di Vaio, whose golfing skills have blossomed in recent years, lends prestige to the course and golf as a whole in Italy; all of this comes on the heels of the country’s positioning as a premier golf destination.
“Antognolla Golf is a unique experience in Italy, perfectly blending world-class golf with breathtaking natural beauty and a deep sense of history,” says César Burguière, its director of golf. The Hollywood Reporter. “The course itself was masterfully designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Jr., whose name alone is synonymous with excellence in golf course architecture. His design seamlessly integrates into the spectacular contours of the Umbrian countryside, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all levels.”
Antognolla is known for its challenging course but also for its striking beauty, overlooking a castle perched on a hill. Designed by American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the course’s cliff-lined fairways, water hazards and 18-hole sustainable fairway turf attract amateur and mature golfers from the United States, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.
“Golf in Italy is entering a golden age, and it’s critical that more Italians embrace this incredible sport as part of their lifestyle,” Burguière says. The Italian government is active in positioning Italy as a golf getaway destination. When Americans visit the country, it’s not the golf that draws them, but rather the historic sites and Mediterranean coastline. But advances like the 2023 Ryder Cup hosted in Rome have put the country on the golf destination map, and when Antognolla hosted the 2019 PGA Italian Championship, the golf world started to take notice.
“These events have sparked a growing passion for the sport throughout Italy, and now is the perfect time for Italians to fully immerse themselves in the world of golf,” says Burguière, adding: “Our playing surfaces are maintained to the highest international standards, meeting high sustainability standards, allowing Antognolla to achieve GEO certification twice. It’s not just a game, it’s a journey through time and nature, wrapped in unparalleled elegance.”
Resort of the six senses
Antognolla Golf Course
Six Senses Coming Soon
Since construction is underway for the upcoming Six Senses resort, visitors can easily access the course. From the parking lot and past the putting green, it’s a short walk to the restaurant where you can find Umbrian dishes like pasta with truffles. Across from the restaurant, you’ll find the gift shop where you can find Antognolla apparel and golf supplies. Perched on a mountain is the castle, which at one point in history would have been the home of a lord who protected the area. It overlooks the course. Over time, the castle has also served as a Benedictine monastery and has been privately owned by several families.
“Six Senses at Antognolla promises to offer an elevated lifestyle experience, deeply rooted in the brand’s core values of wellness, sustainability and connection to nature,” Burguière continues. It is currently being built as part of the resort and will feature suites, rooms and a restaurant overlooking the 18th hole. Directly across from the castle, the modern part of the resort is being built. It will feature the renowned Six Senses spa, a restaurant, a restored church, an interfaith wedding courtyard, a walking trail and 17 new residences.
“For our members, this partnership means access to some of the most exclusive amenities in the world. The spa, for example, will offer personalized wellness programs that balance the mind, body and spirit, all inspired by the natural beauty of the surroundings,” Burguière adds. All residences are called Borgo Massarello and will celebrate the allure of European culture and family living, with one- to four-bedroom options.
Mariano DiVaio
Mariano DiVaio
Mariano Di Vaio and golf
Antognolla is Mariano Di Vaio's favorite field. “One of the things I like about Antognolla is the landscape,” says the model, stylist and entrepreneur The Hollywood Reporter. “I thank God that I can travel a lot and see a lot of beautiful places, but there is something magical here. You have the castle in the background with the beautiful view. Here you find a lot of good reasons to come. I am really passionate about where I come from. The older I get, the more proud I am of my roots and where I come from. It reminds me of my grandmother’s place. Antognolla gives me that feeling of home, of family.”
One of the first successful fashion bloggers in Italy and internationally, Di Vaio won awards and found himself changing direction in front of the camera, but as a model. Once back home, he found success shooting fashion campaigns for brands including Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Diesel and Tommy Hilfiger. Then, he changed direction once again and launched Nohow, a men's fashion brand in 2014, and now there's a golf line.
“Golf allows me to disconnect from everyday life, not in a bad way, but when you're on the golf course, nature gives you that tranquility. And all that matters in that moment is that little white ball. Putting all your energy and attention into that little thing makes everything else slow down a little bit. It's getting back to a slower lifestyle, which is kind of hard these days,” Di Vaio says. He started playing golf when his first child was born. Before taking up the sport, Di Vaio didn't describe himself as patient, but playing golf has helped him achieve that virtue. “Golf humbles you. There has to be something else about golf that pushes you, and I've found little things in the sport that have kept me going along the way,” he adds.
Now that his fashion brand has achieved success with shipments worldwide, the father of four, married to Eleonora Brunacci Di Vaio, a qualified lawyer and legal advisor to his company, finds fulfillment in his business ventures, family life, modeling and his new golf line, which includes versatile pieces that can be worn from the office to the golf course and are made from eco-friendly materials.
“There's that saying that guys might wear the same shirt for a month, but they show up on a golf course like it's Milan Fashion Week. My friends and I are very particular about what we wear on a golf course. The mind plays a big role in golf, about 70 percent. The way you dress gives you confidence,” he says.
“As Italy continues to thrive as a golf destination and attract luxury travelers, it is important that locals embrace the sport and contribute to its development, just as Mariano Di Vaio has done, securing Italy’s place on the global golf map,” says Burguière. “His commitment to the growth of golf is driven by his genuine love for the game, which he practices at a high level alongside his children. And his passion for golf naturally intertwines with his work in fashion, leading him to create a line of golf apparel.”
Antognolla is a place that brings people together, whether they are celebrities or not; it is an environment where everyone can thrive and grow in golf. Once completed, the resort will reach new heights. “We are not just building a resort,” Burguière adds. “We are cultivating a lifestyle that honors Umbria’s rich cultural heritage while offering modern, world-class amenities.”