Emanuel Stilo

Focus is what separates leaders in business and sport. Emanuel Stilo, CEO and owner — together with his family — of Castello Tolcinasco Golf Resort & SPA and Sporting Milano 3, has made strategic concentration the engine of his success.

In a highly competitive industry, his vision has transformed two sports clubs into benchmarks for luxury and personalized experience in Italy. Yet the real secret lies not only in the facilities, but in the ability to maintain clarity of purpose and adapt intelligently and disciplined to change.

And just like in golf, what matters is not hitting hard — but knowing exactly where to send the ball to reach the target in the fewest strokes possible.

1. In golf, as in business, concentration is essential. How do you cultivate it in your professional life?

Focus is the key element of success because it enables better and faster decisions.

In golf, every shot demands absolute concentration: you must block out distractions and concentrate solely on the objective. Business works the same way – if you are not clear about where you want to go, you risk dispersing energy.

For me, this means having a clear vision, planning every move with precision, and adapting to circumstances without losing control.

2. Uncertainty is a constant in both sport and business. How do you manage the unexpected?

With flexibility and speed of adaptation.

In golf, the wind changes, the terrain is uneven, every shot is a challenge. If you remain rigid, you lose.

The same applies to business: uncertainty cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed. I address it through constant analysis, clear vision, and the ability to leverage change to my advantage.

3. What business model guides the management of your clubs?

Managing a luxury club is not just about offering excellent facilities; it is about building a community and delivering a personalized experience for every member.

Three fundamental principles guide us: strategic clarity, resource optimization, and customer experience.

Without a strong focus on quality and member experience, a club inevitably loses value over time.

4.Sport inherently carries the concept of competition, just like business. What differentiates you from competitors?

To remain at the top, four pillars are essential: a strong identity, excellence and uncompromising quality, rigorous financial management and continuous innovation and the ability to anticipate trends

In luxury, the biggest mistake is assuming that reputation alone guarantees long-term success. Improvement must be constant.

5. Sporting Milano 3 celebrates its 10th anniversary. What was the biggest challenge and how did you face it?

Without a doubt, the pandemic and the energy crisis.

To navigate these challenges, we strengthened relationships with our members through digital and outdoor initiatives, invested in digitalization to provide remote services, and managed costs more efficiently without compromising quality.

The result? We are stronger today than ever before.

6. Golf is evolving from an elite sport to a more accessible discipline. How is this perception changing?

Today, golf is more open than ever, which is a key growth driver for the industry.

Institutions are investing in bringing golf into schools, fashion is making it more appealing, and events like the Ryder Cup in Rome in 2023 provided extraordinary momentum.

We collaborate with luxury brands to create an experience that is exclusive yet inclusive and contemporary.

7. Can golf in Italy reach the popularity it enjoys in countries like the United States and Great Britain?

We have everything it takes.

Italy offers extraordinary courses, unique landscapes, and a culture capable of making golf an international attraction.

What is needed is a stronger connection with luxury tourism and more initiatives to engage younger generations and integrate golf into national sports culture.

Castello Tolcinasco, located just 20 minutes from Milan, is already a reference point in Lombardy – and with the right focus, Italy can position itself among Europe’s most desirable golf destinations.

8. What strategies do you adopt to attract and retain members?

Two words: personalization and inclusivity.

Our members are not simply looking for a club, but for a place that reflects their lifestyle. We therefore focus on tailored experiences, customized programs, networking opportunities, and an environment that blends sport, wellness, and community.

A luxury club is not just a service – it is an ecosystem of value.

9. What programs do you have in place to engage younger generations?

We strongly believe in young talent and in offering real growth opportunities.

We have created events and collaborations with universities such as Bocconi, which has chosen our facilities for student training sessions.

Sport is not only physical discipline; it is a training ground for leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. Investing in young people means investing in the future of sport and business.

10. As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to young people?

Choose your objective and never lose sight of it.

The greatest mistake is trying to do everything without a clear strategy. Success comes from focusing on a few essential elements and executing them flawlessly.

Focus is the true key to success – in business and in life.