The Rocco Forte Sicilian Open

The Sicilian Open has been a thrilling staple of the European Tour since its establishment in 2011. Following its inaugural year, the Open moved to the Kyle Phillips-designed coastal courses of Verdura Resort, where it has remained ever since. The Open takes place over four days, with players competing in stroke-play golf on the choicest nine holes of Verdura’s two courses. Competition is always fierce and strikingly entertaining, usually culminating in a play-off margin of victory.

Rocco Forte Sicilian Open

Rocco Forte Sicilian Open 2018

The following year, the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open cemented its place as one of the most beautiful and entertaining golf tournaments in the world. The competition was, once again, heated: famed golf aficionados flocked to Verdura’s Mediterranean-backdropped fairways, with personalities such as European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn, defending champion Alvaro Quirós and 2014 European Ryder Cup star Andy Sullivan competing for the grand prize. 

OPEN

The winner 
Near the tournament’s close, none of the favourites were left standing. Finally, it was Joakim Lagergren who claimed the coveted trophy, his first and only European Tour win. The Swede secured his maiden victory on the European Tour with a birdie by holing an astonishing eight-foot putt on the first extra hole of a play-off with France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera.

 

In their own words
After receiving his prize from Sir Rocco Forte, Lagergren effused about the idyllic surrounds. “I love this place,” the ecstatic Swede said. “The golf course is awesome and you get a view over the Mediterranean on nearly every hole.”
“The course we played was in awesome condition. The greens are really good and these are probably the best fairways that we have played all year. The Verdura Resort is world class. Can’t wait to come back!”

Rocco Forte Sicilian Open 2017

In 2017, following a four-year hiatus, the golf tournament was resurrected with added aplomb, supported by Rocco Forte Hotels and its founder, Sir Rocco Forte, a keen golfer. The new Rocco Forte Sicilian Open was a marked success, a combination of strategic holes and award-winning facilities. From the onset, two titans clashed above the others: Álvaro Quirós of Spain and Zander Lombard of South Africa. Over four days, they struggled against one another, yet neither athlete would concede. The duel would have to be decided by play-off. 

OPEN

The winner
Finally, Álvaro Quirós claimed victory with a par at the second extra hole of the play-off – after almost losing a seven-shot lead to the tenacious South African. He was the first to win the grand Sicilian Open trophy in four years, receiving it personally from Sir Rocco Forte. “Verdura is an unbelievable site,” Quirós enthused, “my room is unbelievable and the golf course is a paradise – it is a very complete resort.”

In their own words
The stars from the European Tour united in echoing Quirós’ praise for Verdura Resort, hailing it as one of the most spectacular tournament venues in the world. “I think you’ve got it all,” notes Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts. “You’ve got beautiful views but a technical golf course. I liked my first experience of the place a couple of years ago, so when I heard we were coming back here, I put my hand up.”

Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
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Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
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Welcome to Verdura Resort: 230 hectares of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, countryside, spa and golf.

concierge.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
Phone Number
+39 09 259982008
Address
S.S. 115 Km 131
Sicily, Italy
Sicily 92019
View map

1. Personal Data
Title
Best Time To Reach*

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