Antognolla Golf: a look at the natural hilltop haven designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Umbria, Italy [24 September, 2024] – When it comes to sustainability in golf, few are as influential as the legendary course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.  

Renowned for his 300 golf course designs across more than 50 countries, his environmentally focussed ethos is perfectly embodied at Antognolla Golf, a GEO Certified course situated in Umbria, Italy’s green heart. 

"Antognolla Golf is a true reflection of my philosophy of listening to the land,” explains Trent Jones Jr. “We didn’t just design a course here – we let the natural contours of Umbria’s hills shape every decision, creating an experience that challenges and inspires golfers at every turn.” 

As the morning sun rises over the hills, casting light over the vineyards and the expansive golf course, visitors are immediately struck by the natural beauty and harmony that defines Antognolla.  

Dominating the landscape to the north is the 12th-century Antognolla Castle, a stunning relic that stands as a guiding star for the resort’s evolution, ensuring its heritage is honoured even as it moves boldly into the future. 

"There’s something magical about playing golf in the shadow of a 12th-century castle," Jones adds. "At Antognolla, we’ve designed a course that feels deeply connected to the history surrounding it, with the castle serving as the dramatic centrepiece of the entire experience."  

"Antognolla isn’t just a place to play golf – it’s a journey," says Jones. "As you move through the course, you’re not only navigating the strategic challenges, but also taking in the history, beauty, and ecological richness that Umbria offers. It’s a course that asks you to be bold, just like the land itself." 

The golf course, a perfect blend of challenge and aesthetics, winds through the rolling hills, with every hole shaped by the natural landscape. Antognolla carries this respect for the stunning surrounds into its everyday workings, beyond the golf course and across the estate.

Native plants encourage biodiversity and require minimal water, and an innovative water conservation system reuses rainwater to irrigate the course, whilst organic products are used to fertilise the grounds, minimising the use of chemicals and furthering Antognolla’s commitment to sustainability. 

Looking ahead, the resort is poised for transformation as it becomes home to a state-of-the-art wellness spa, operated by Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. It will be the first branded residential development in Umbria, home to a new resort crafted into the contours of an existing historical estate.  

The storied Antognolla castle is undergoing a masterful restoration and will be home to guest suites, accompanied by hotel rooms in the surrounding borgo, while a new resort building with further guestrooms will serve as a backdrop to this rich historic architecture and will seamlessly blend modern luxury with the estate's rich architectural heritage.  

Designed by Woods Bagot for a total of 71 hotel keys, the resort remains true to the region’s rustic charm while celebrating its noble history and the allure of European culture and family life. The main building is sustainably designed and registered with LEED certification, further cementing the resort’s dedication to environmental responsibility. 

As Antognolla Resort and Residences enters this exciting new chapter, it remains rooted in its core values, offering visitors an unparalleled experience that fuses sustainability, history, and breathtaking natural surroundings.  

"Designing Antognolla was about more than just creating a course,” concludes Jones. “It was about honouring the rich heritage of this region while looking ahead to the future of golf. Here, nature and the game coexist in a way that feels completely harmonious."