Golf and Lazio: A Winning Combination

The Italian Challenge Open 2025 marks the return of world-class golf to the Lazio region, reaffirming Italy’s growing reputation as a premier golfing destination. Scheduled from September 18 to 21 at Golf Nazionale in Sutri (Viterbo), the event brings together the best players of the HotelPlanner Tour and is also part of the Italian Pro Tour, the national and international circuit organized by the Italian Golf Federation with the support of Infront Italy.

Anticipated by a Pro-Am on September 17, the Challenge Open is not just a sporting competition but a celebration of golf’s cultural, environmental, and tourism value in Italy. Lazio, already host of the historic 2023 Ryder Cup and previous editions of the Italian Open, continues to strengthen its position as the beating heart of Italian golf.

International Prestige and Italian Talent

The tournament will feature a 144-player field representing 27 countries, including several of the top ten on the Order of Merit. Italy will count on stars such as Filippo Celli and Renato Paratore, both from Rome and among the most anticipated competitors. With recent victories on the international stage, they are close to securing full cards for the DP World Tour 2026.

The competition boasts a €300,000 prize pool, with €48,000 awarded to the champion. Additionally, the Trofeo Regione Lazio will honor the best Italian performer.

Golf Nazionale, designed by George and Jim Fazio along with David Mezzacane, is recognized as the “Coverciano of Italian golf”, offering a technically demanding course set within a breathtaking natural environment. It has hosted prestigious events including the Junior Ryder Cup 2023 and remains the official headquarters of the Italian Golf Federation.

Beyond the Fairways: Inclusion, Youth, and Health

The Italian Challenge Open 2025 is more than a golf event—it is a celebration of inclusivity and well-being. Highlights include:

• Open Day for disabled associations, promoting accessibility in golf.
• “Golf at School” project, engaging 90 high school students from Viterbo in hands-on golf experiences and career opportunities within the sport.
• Free cardiovascular screenings, offered in collaboration with the Fondazione per il Tuo cuore-ANMCO.

This holistic approach positions golf not only as a sport but also as a vehicle for education, health, and community development.

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The Italian Challenge Open strengthens the momentum created by Italy’s ongoing efforts to link golf with tourism promotion. As we reported in our previous article about the protocol of agreement between the Italian Ministry of Tourism and the Italian Golf Federation, golf is increasingly seen as a strategic driver for international tourism. The Lazio tournament further consolidates this vision by combining elite competition with initiatives that showcase sport as a lever for territorial and economic development.