After being named the best “Golf & Spa Resort”, the Verdura Resort in Sicily, from the Rocco Forte Hotel group, is preparing to host, from May 18 to 21, 2017, a new European professional golf tournament.

  • Photo: DR
The tournament will take place a week before the BMW PGA Championship, and will represent the greatest European players, under the sunny sky of the largest Mediterranean island.

The event will take place 5 years after the Sicilian Open, won by Danish Thorbjørn Olesen, at the Verdura Resort. The establishment opened in 2009, by Sir Rocco Forte, who wanted to create a golf resort with a feeling of being in a 'club'. The resort covers 230 hectares of beautiful traditional Sicilian landscapes, with the azure waters of the Mediterranean as a backdrop. The Verdura has two professional 18-hole golf courses, the "East" and "West" courses, as well as a 9-hole course.

Sir Rocco Forte, Founder and President of the Rocco Forte group, said: “I am delighted that the Verdura Resort is hosting the Rocco Forte Open. Our Sicilian hotel offers two 18-hole golf courses designed by Kyle Phillips and regularly run by the most famous European players. The property is located along the coast and stretches for two kilometers, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Myself, a golfer, I am very happy and I will be sure to go. "

Keith Waters, Director General of the European Tour, said: “We are delighted that the European Tour is taking place again at the Verdura Golf Club this year and I thank Sir Rocco for his support in organizing the tournament. The Rocco Forte Open - Verdura will, I'm sure, be a special week for the players and we look forward to enjoying the exceptional setting of this tournament in Sicily in May. "

Also, guests can enjoy many other sports and leisure activities including 6 tennis courts, a wide choice of water activities, a 170m2 fully equipped gym and a 400m2 spa.

The Verdura had an exceptional year with a spectacular number of reservations, especially for the golf section. Its success is confirmed by obtaining numerous international awards, such as the prize for the best destination in Italy for golfers, from a list of 100 Golf & Resorts in Europe.

Located on the south coast of Sicily, between Agrigento and the port city of Sciacca, 80 minutes by car between Trapani and Palermo airport, the Verdura Resort has 203 rooms and suites all with ocean views.

Away from the courses, the complex has top-of-the-range sports facilities and guests can also experience the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that made Sicily famous across the world.

More information about the Verdura Resort: www.roccofortehotels.com