Emilia Romagna is a region famous for its cuisine, for its art and culture and for its fine beaches. The region has in the past been called a golfing secret, a sort of undiscovered beauty. But, thanks to the opening of a few more top courses and long-overdue respect from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the secret is finally out.

Emilia Romagna is no longer a hidden Italian delicacy and nor should it be. It is a first class golfing destination where every visiting golfer is treated like royalty.

Comprising Bologna, Rimini, Parma and Piacenza, it is one of Italy's richest regions, filled with artistic and architectural masterpieces and, for the history buffs, home to the world's first university. Its golf courses, however, have been itching to join such elite company.