Nestled within the hills of Sicily’s southern coast, the East Course of Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel has always been a stunning place to enjoy golf. And now it’s even more beautiful, after reopening as a 45-hole course following a major redesign.
The world-renowned golf architect, Kyle Phillips, created Verdura Resort’s original course and has worked his magic on our East Course once again.
Phillips explains, “We have certainly made the most of the terrain available to us. The drama of the coastline has been improved and we’re proud of what has been achieved.”
Phillips updated the 18-hole championship layout by focusing on the resort’s private coastline as well as the surrounding Sicilian countryside, which is dotted with orange trees and olive groves.
He has reordered hole numbers, restoring former favourite holes and adding new ones. He also planted fescue grasses throughout the course to add definition.
“One of the big differences is with the routing,” Phillips says. “With the previous layout, you would cross the other course and they would weave through each other a little at times. Now they are more clearly defined.”
The course now starts near the practice range on an existing hole, has 14 new holes and finishes on three existing holes near the clubhouse. This will make the East Course a par-73 course and the West a par-70.
“They will both be good challenges. Naturally, with any new course, it takes time to take shape and we’re expecting it to continually improve throughout winter so that golfers will enjoy even better playing conditions in 2022,” adds Phillips.
Set on 230 hectares beside the Mediterranean Sea, Verdura Resort is the idyllic home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open and was named in Golf Digest’s coveted ‘2021 Editors’ Choice Award for the Best Resorts in Continental Europe’ for the sixth successive year.
Away from the course, take a dip in Verdura Spa’s Thalassotherapy pools or sample seafood at Amare. Explore Agrigento and Selinunte’s temples or stay in our new icon, Villa Igiea, while you discover Palermo.
Indulge in a unique golf experience at Verdura Resort with our inclusive offer, valid until 12th November 2022. This package includes an array of perks including daily breakfast and one green fee per nightly stay. To make your stay extra special, book a suite and receive the additional benefits of the Rocco Forte Suite Experience.
reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com +39 09 2599 8001.
