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Verdura Resort: Golf trip of a lifetime

28 January 2022
6 min. read
Leading Courses
Leading Courses Account Manager Kareem Kaddouri visited Verdura Resort in late 2021 to join a select group to play the new and improved East Course. He came back with some insights into why Verdura should be on your list of Golf Resorts to visit in 2022.
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(Photo: Verdura Resort)

The Verdura Resort is situated near the town of Sciacca in Sicily, Italy. The property boasts two 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole academy course and top of the range practice facilities. The courses have been designed by renowned golf course architect, Kyle Phillips. Famed for courses like Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland.

Fourteen of the holes on the East Course were damaged by a freak flood in late 2018 and in 2019 an expert team led by Mr. Phillips started the work to redesign and rebuild the golf course. In the original design the two golf courses crossed each other, this has now been split to really give the feel of two unique experiences. 

The East Course flows along the breathtaking Sicilian coastline, providing views that you won’t forget in a hurry. Also worth mentioning is that Verdura Resort hosted the Sicilian Open in 2012.

Arriving at Verdura Resort

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The ruggered, mountainous coastline of Sicily. (Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash)

Travelling from mainland Europe, the closest airport is Palermo. The transfer from the airport takes just over an hour and 15 minutes. You essentially cross the island to get to the resort, and as you approach the resort, the mountainous surroundings become more apparent. When at the resort you wind down towards the main building where you are greeted by classic Italian hospitality. There is a lounge/bar overlooking the ocean which you can visit right after checking in.

There are a variety of room types, ranging from the Junior Suite up to the Acacia Suite with Pool. Each room type is luxurious and offers a lot of space and stunning views. The rooms and villas are spread left and right of the main hotel building.

There are bicycles spread across the resort, which is a fun and efficient way to get around, especially if you want to visit one of the four restaurants on the property. 

The Golfing Experience at Verdura Resort

The West Course is a par 70, covering a distance of 6547m/7160 yds. A round on the West Course starts with three challenging par-4’s, each one longer than 370m from the yellow tees. You are then treated to the first of five par 3’s, before heading into the first par-5. As you work your way through the front nine you really get the opportunity to appreciate the nature around you as you try to avoid the strategically placed bunkers, a Kyle Phillips trademark. 

The signature stretch of the West Course comes at the end of your round, with 16, 17 and 18 running along the coastline offering magnificent views of the Mediterranean ocean. 

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The West Course offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean ocean. (Photo: Verdura Resort)

The newly renovated East Course will officially open in May 2022, but it is maturing into a top course already. Both of the courses have undulating rolling fairways and hollows, which offer multiple lines of play. This is great for golfers of all levels. The fairways are Bermuda grass with the rough consisting of a mix of fescues designed to come into bloom depending on the season. 

The East Course offers a slightly more minimalistic feel which gives a Links impression. The hollows connecting the fairways between holes give the feeling of space and calm the nerves on the tee box. A par 73 with a length of 6763m/7396yds, the East Course darts away from the clubhouse, heading away from the coast initially, before you meander and make your way to the ocean. One of the signature holes is the new ninth hole, which requires a carefully placed tee shot to avoid water on the left and right, while a fairway bunker lurks on the right side. 

Once that is safely negotiated, an undulating green is guarded by two bunkers and more water at the front – and all with the beach and the lapping waves just a few steps away at the back of the green.

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The East Course at Verdura Resort has a real Links feel to it. (Photo: Verdura Resort)

For the travelling golfer, there are top quality rental sets available from brands such as Callaway, TaylorMade and Honma. There is also a fleet of modern golf buggies and trolleys to allow you to fully focus on your swing as you make your way round. If you would want to sharpen your golf skills, there are PGA professionals present to analyse your game and top practice facilities to put in the practice. For both courses, there are five tee positions available on each hole, which makes the resort a great place to visit for golfers of all levels. 

Spoilt for restaurant choice

Once you have finished playing golf you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and beverage options. There are four restaurants onsite, the highlights being Amare which serves authentic seafood and Liola which offers authentic Sicilian cuisine. In the morning you are treated to an extensive breakfast at Buongiorno. Breakfast is served in an afternoon tea style which is great and you have an extensive a la carte menu too.  

In summary, Verdura Resort offers golf, luxury and hospitality on a grand scale, with the personal service and attention of a private club. 

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Great views in seafood restaurant Amare. (Photo: Verdure Resort)

Verdura Resort Giveaway

The Sicilian sunshine, warm Mediterranean Sea and exceptional golf courses are waiting for two lucky Leading Courses members with an unforgettable luxury golf break for two that we are giving away.
 
You can win a 2-night bed & breakfast stay for two including two green fees per person. To enter, sign up to Rocco Forte Friends before 27 February 2022. This is an exclusive recognition program that’s free to join and entitles members to benefits at all Rocco Forte Hotels worldwide, from early check-ins and late check-outs to dining discounts and wellness experiences.

(contest had ended...)

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