Gazing out across Sicily’s striking coastline, softened by azure waters and golden-hour hues, you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful spot to enjoy a round of golf.
We have all been playing from new perspectives over the past year, and these new perspectives have brought a surprising element of creativity to our championship golf courses. Over the past few months, we’ve been delighted to welcome world-renowned golf architect, Kyle Phillips, back to Verdura Resort, where he has returned to the site of his original creation in Sicily to work his magic on our signature East Course, once again.
By working with the undulating shoreline that frames the course, Phillips has transformed a natural sandbank into a dramatic new ninth hole. This striking addition is a sight to behold and a truly unforgettable golf experience, backdropped by the island’s breath-taking seascape. “Verdura Resort’s new par four ninth embraces the dramatic coastline of Sicily”, commented Philips.
This work is part of a major renovation project at Verdura Resort, to reopen our signature 18-hole course, the East Course. Nine holes of the East course will reopen in August, while the full golf 18-hole course will reopen to guests in October 2021. Our extraordinary West Course is currently open, with a fantastic 18-hole course to enjoy. By October 2021, we’ll be delighted to return to 36 holes collectively across both the East and West courses at Verdura Resort.
Another exciting feature coming to the highly anticipated new course is a unique double green. Phillips comments that “one of the things that we didn’t have before – but we have now – is a double green, rather like some of the huge greens at St. Andrews. Ours is made up of the new eighth hole (par five) and the new 10th hole (par four), each sharing the green. It was something I had pondered before, and Sir Rocco Forte is a golfer, we were out there walking one day and talked about doing it and he was immediately excited about it.”
As the site of two Sicilian Opens, we have hosted the likes of Thomas Bjorn, Matt Wallace, Eddie Pepperell, Marcus Armitage, Alvaro Quiros and Joakim Lagergren. We are proud to have another stellar calendar of golf tournaments throughout 2021, as well as our unique coaching packages including the ‘Green to Tee’ programme.
As a Hotel group, we have celebrated a flurry of hotel openings recently, and one of the most exciting of these is our striking collection of twenty modern and spacious Rocco Forte Private Villas at Verdura Resort which offer a perfect base for longer stays, particularly for large groups and family holidays, each has its own private swimming pool and unparalleled panoramic views of the Sicilian coast and the Mediterranean.
Nestled in 230 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds on Sicily’s southern coast, we invite you to spend days, weeks or even months exploring this breath-taking part of the world, whilst honing your skills and enjoying a much-needed change of scenery.
Away from the course, you can give your golf clubs a rest and enjoy an extensive array of luxury sports and lifestyle facilities, as well as the opportunity to sample a variety of gastronomy experiences, wineries, historical sights and culture on our doorstep. If a visit to Palermo also takes your fancy while in Sicily, a night or two in our new icon, Villa Igiea, is an absolute must.
Guests can enjoy Verdura Resort’s Unlimited Golf package until 21st November, 2021, which includes an unlimited number of rounds, full daily breakfast and €100 dining credit to enjoy during your stay. Complimentary additions include shared buggies, use of the driving range and spa facilities.
Email reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 0925 9980 01.
As winter draws near, Europe’s cities take on an intimate charm, with quieter streets, crisp air, and a subtle hum of excitement as the festive season approaches. With cooler weather comes the perfect time to prioritise self-care. After exploring historic sights and bustling neighbourhoods, find solace in the warmth of our hotels and their serene spas – the perfect spot for a restorative weekend away.
One of the great things about golf is that it is a sport you can play anywhere around the world. It doesn’t matter what country you’re visiting in Europe, you’re never too far away from a relaxing 18 holes at some of the continent’s premium golf venues with Rocco Forte Hotels. Here are a few suggestions.
Returning to Verdura Resort for another summer of fun-filled training sessions, Italian football hero and former World Cup champion Gianluca Zambrotta will lead our Football Legends Academy.
