It is arguably now the prettiest hole on the property, said Phillips. A member of the exclusive European Tour Destinations network, the resortis famous for offering guests an unforgettable five-star golf experience in one of the most beautiful settings in worldgolf. You then turn onto the shoreline for four memorable holes, including two picture book par 3s, a fantastic strategically demanding tight par four and a typical Phillips finishing hole back to the 14th century Arabic defence tower that serves as the clubhouse. See other reviews from Andy Waple, Respond to above review Explore 33,000+ golf courses in 180 countries. First the greens on both courses are sublime. Elevated tees or greens are a feature of the early holes and you will be well into your swing by the time you reach the fantastic 5th hole which appears to be a highest point of the course. Indeed, the track that staged the 2012 Sicilian Open (when Denmarks Thorbjrn claimed his maiden European Tour victory) comprised a blend of East and West holes. From the golf, to the hotel, to the climate, food, aura and just about everything else you can think of, Verdura ticks the box. Was this review helpful? No expense was spared during the construction of the 5-star Verdura resort on the south west coast of Sicily and the 45-hole golf complex at its centre is one of the best sporting facilities to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean region. If you are feeling active you can also work out in the large state-of-the-art gym or indulge in various water sports. The 18th is a fine finisher as well, with the coast on your left and some clever bunkering. The storms led to a breach of the levee that runs between the site and the Verdura River. Unfortunately, severe storms in late 2018 caused an embankment to breach which resulted in flooding across fourteen holes, seven on the East and seven on the West). Verdura is roughly an hour and a half by car from the airport. @andywaple @drivinggolf, The fact that I'm writing the first review for this course proves that Sicily is not yet a top golfing destination. Add to that severe undulations and it is easy to see why it tests the professionals when they arrive on occasion. All rights reserved. Whilst they both offer something slightly different in challenge and aesthetics, there are two commonalities between them. How to NEVER MISS another short putt with Manolo Vega! Me and my partner stayed and played at Donnafugata and Verdura on a two destination golf holiday in September 2017. For a printed subscription or free digital edition, please visitour subscriptions page. Fairway Wood: TaylorMade M5 (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) It has turned out to be one of the more dramatic and interesting on the new course., Sir Rocco Forte, the resorts founder and chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: I am tremendously excited by the new layout, which will enhance both the playing experience and magnificent views over the spectacular Sicilian coastline.. Giacomo Battafarano, the general manager at Verdura, says: To be rated among the worlds elite golf resorts and Italys best is an outstanding achievement for the resort and something that makes us all very proud.
The resort home of the European Tours Rocco Forte Sicilian Open boasts a wealth of exclusive luxury facilities that have helped establish the venue as one of the worlds elite golf and lifestyle destinations and is nestled in 230 hectares ofstunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicilys southern coast. Going a step further 6 and 13 were truly awesome holes in my opinion. Two more highlights were Liola which has more of a family-friendly atmosphere and provides lovely cliff-top views. Verdura Resort, Rocco Forte's Sicilian Jewel. Complimentary additions also include shared buggies, use of the driving range and spa facilities. After golf in the morning, I thought to myself, walking through vineyards with a glass of white in my hand and the sun beating down on my back isnt the toughest way to spend an afternoon. Heading to the spa is a good place to start where you can enjoy the 20m indoor swimming pool, four thalassotherapy pools, steam room, Finnish sauna, along with spacious relaxation areas and extensive treatment rooms. 17 is shorter, but more intimidating as visually it gives the impression of anything long or left being destined for the Med! The result is absolutely excellent. ", Top golf coach Manolo Vega teaches you how to ATTACK pin from 50 yards, "In limbo" LIV Golf's Lee Westwood urges quick Ryder Cup decision, 9/11 chair BLASTS LIV Golf players: "You will become a puppet to the Kingdom", Rocket Mortgage Classic R1: Tony Finau continues blistering form with opening 64. See other reviews from Cdric. The East course is already rising up rankings since its reopening in October. The manicured fairways and greens contrast well with the native grasses and the course has been inspired by links golf too with the use of minimal one-cut mowing.
Was this review helpful? Then comes the lovely par 5 11th running beside the Verdura River hidden by a long row of eucalyptus trees. Phillips has also enhanced the walkability, with generous tightly mown connections from green to tee. But it isnt just about the golf and it should come as no surprise that the accommodation is really rather good too. The Rocco Forte hotel around which these courses are designed is expensive, but for those able to afford the prices Verdura is a stunning location for a golf holiday. A tough finish also awaits, with the outstanding closing holes all hugging the spectacular coastline. Golf tips and expert instruction, golf club reviews and the latest golf equipment. But Sir Rocco is a golfer, we were out there walking one day and talked about doing it and he was excited about it. The sea is unbelievably calm and blue and it's a fantastic place to stay at. Unlike Algarve, very little traffic so the courses are in overall better condition. About an hour away, I sampled delicious wines and olive oil made there and enjoyed a meal in a pretty old barn on site. One highlight of the new layout is the par-four sixth, with long views along the Mediterranean coastline. The view from the tee is simply stunning. I had been looking forward to playing a Kyle Phillips designed course since seeing the glowing reviews of Kingsbarns and I was not disappointed. The difficulty generally lies with getting close to the pins on the large and undulating putting surfaces. Due to adverse weather conditions I got to experience a composite course and see plans to open the new, completely re-designed East course. Golf Monthly is supported by its audience. Also inspired by the flood erosion is the addition of a new drainage burn that acts as a strategic element to the par-four third and par-five fourth holes, both of which play towards the sea. Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54, 58 Two more long par 4s set up a five-hole finale that rivals any closing stretch I have encountered over the years.
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The greens were better on the East though. The fairway is broad but in keeping with most of the par 4s it requires two of your very best to reach the green. In this case, the erosion started inland and moved toward the sea. But this has allowed for the restoration of previous favouritesand alsosome exciting new additions. Palermo accepts daily flights from a host of major European airports. The 14th is a long flat par 5 with a green in front of the clubhouse. This course underwent a true transformation. Playing in the opposite direction, the thirteenth takes advantage of the dramatic mountain and coastline views. Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. Was this review helpful? Children are well catered for in the form of a newly revamped Kids Club and Verdura even offers Sicilian cooking classes, so I am not exaggerating when I say the resort caters to your every need. 
There are 203 rooms and 50 suites, all beautifully designed and offering views out to sea. It starts with a gentle par-4 opener and there are some good holes on the front-9, such as the par-3 4th, long par-5 5th and strategic par-4 6th. Sir Rocco is a keen golfer and appreciates the elements of traditional links golf. For those of you who want to explore Sicily a bit there are several worthy excursions worth the time and effort. Overall the redesigned East is a stunning addition to the resort. Strong winds and heavy rain led to flooding and landslides, resulting in the loss of many lives and billions of euros of damage. We have certainly made the most out of what was available to us and were proud of what has been achieved.". In a similar vein to its companion course it features a friendly opening, this time its a par 5 requiring a drive and a lay-up, leaving a simple pitch to a large, slightly elevated and undulating green. Severe storms raged across Italy over seven days in October and November 2018. Once that is safely negotiated, an undulating green is guarded by two bunkers, which requires an approach shot with enough loft to clear more water and hold the green and all with the beach and the lapping waves just a few steps away. Heres why you can trust us. It is a very good course, the green set-ups are quite nice, there are picturesque holes by the water but it's actually pre A beautiful golf course with 6 holes very close the sea. Mark Hubbard lets go of golf club, hates it ball goes in for HOLE-IN-ONE! What can we learn from Jordan Spieth's new pre-shot routine on the PGA Tour? Phillips has done an excellent job in creating a course that can deceive you easily and you have to think your way down each hole, especially when hitting into greens. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The tee shot demands careful placement to avoid water on the left and right, while a fairway bunker lurks on the right side. Thank you for signing up to Golf Monthly. Away from golf, guests can enjoy an extensive array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities, as well as the opportunity to sample a wide variety ofgastronomy, wine, history and culture. After the disappointment of Donnafugata (also reviewed) the two courses at Verdura were a revelation. When #golf meets the beauty of nature. As a golf brand, lets start there and given I had never played a completely re-designed golf course before, I shall begin with my thoughts on the East. Phillips said: "One of the things that we didnt have before but we have now is a double green, a bit like some of those huge greens at St Andrews. Golf Monthly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. It is incredibly easy to relax and enjoy the rooms but there is plenty to enjoy elsewhere on the resort. By the time you reach the 8th you really ought to be enjoying yourself thoroughly but here you will need to concentrate, as it plays fairly tight off the tee. Of course, the seaside holes are the stars, with the stretches from 5-7 and 12-14 sitting atop the tree. It is hard to pick a favourite between the East and the West, as they are similar in character and each a joy to play. This article first appeared in theJanuary 2022 issue ofGolf Course Architecture. Still can't decide which of the East or West I preferred. Brooks Cruise ship landed at 0700. With the coastline on the left, this wee par three plays down to an undulating green that hugs the waters edge. Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 Designed by the esteemed American architect Kyle Phillips, the two championship 18-hole layouts East and West are the golfing stars of the show at Verdura and they are well supported by a 9-hole par three course, a driving range and practice area. For the historians among you, on my last trip I found the Valley of the Temples particularly interesting with its large structures and lovely walks. Fast forward to October 2021 and I was boarding a quick flight over with excitement to see what architect Kyle Phillips had put together. The new par-five eighth and par-four tenth holes now share a massive double green. Speaking of greens, the complexes are spectacularly undulating and very large despite the run off areas, which can be huge at times, giving the impression the targets are small. The July 2022 issue of Golf Course Architecture is out now! From fairways and tees they appear absolutely tiny but when you walk up to them they are huge which just shows how clever Phillips was with the design. As such he adjusted the seaside holes, refined the inland ones, added new bunkering which looks outstanding, and resurfaced all the greens. Viewers can plot their way along the spectacular new par-four hole and you can almost smell the ocean breeze along the coastline. There was a problem. It opened in 2009 with two Kyle Phillips-designed golf courses, the East and West, which are ranked among the best in the country. American architect Kyle Phillips, famed for his work at Dundonald and Kingsbarns, is responsible for designing the two courses at the Verdura Resort in Sicily. The Mediterranean Sea runs the length of the right side and the view down the coastline goes on forever. Among the many businesses impacted by the storms was Rocco Fortes Verdura Resort, which is located within 230 hectares of Mediterranean landscape on Sicilys southern coastline. Putter: Scotty Cameron Circa 62 #6, Mark Hubbard dropped his club after mis-hitting his tee shot, only for it to go in, Europes joint record appearance maker says its only fair to clarify qualification rules as soon as possible. The flood created new landforms and dramatic, eroded inlets near the coastline that have been incorporated into the new design. he says. There is a big dip on then fairway sadly too far to reach from the tee for all but the very big hitters. On the West course, holes 15 to 18 form a loop away and then back to the watchtower clubhouse. A jack of all trades across print and digital formats, Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. This was one of my favourite holes on the resort.
The result is a remarkable success with the new hole offering those trademark, incredible views across the Mediterranean, while asking some serious questions of accuracy,strategyand distance control with a slight dogleg design. Sam Tremlett travels to Verdura Resort to sample great golf and fantastic food. Ryanair operates daily flights from London Stansted, and you can also fly to Palermo with EasyJet and British Airways. Overall I think I preferred the East but perhaps there was an element of seeing something totally new that led me to that conclusion. You will definitely want to hit the approach into this green from the fairway because you hit over a water-filled, ravine-like dip, and there is a greenside bunker to avoid as well. He also previously worked for World Soccer and Rugby World magazines. The 16th is all about hitting the fairway in preparation for a long second into a large green. Driver: Titleist TS3 The 14th is a shore-hugging par-4 that tests your ability to commit to your drive and not hit it right. https://t.co/xIJubraO1N#verduraresort #sicily pic.twitter.com/K5seJoG79Q. See other reviews from John Martin, Respond to above review The green is virtually on the beach and if you look hard you will find an old WW2 pillbox in the undergrowth. Respond to above review ", He added: "It is new, fresh, the result isgreatand I think it will be really well-received. Precision is key with clubbing, especially when the wind is blowing. Opulently furnished, with private balconies and invigorating bathrooms, the suites deliver the height of luxury. The European Tour took its Sicilian Open to the venue three times in the 2010s, playing over a composite of the two courses.
England and Wales company registration number 2008885. I would also recommend Amare where youll find some of the finest local seafood. It felt like the last two holes were over by themselves as they were separated by the driving range, however this is only a minor point. There is little between them but I thought the West course had the edge over the East in terms of all round enjoyment. 0 people found this review helpful Free access to practice facilities. I was off and on my way to the golf course at 0805. Richardson and Danner to create golf entertainment centre in California. The best course of action would be to fly into Palermo Airport and then it is an hour and a half drive south to the resort which takes no time at all. These are both stunning gems, beautifully conditioned, and in my opinion should be amongst the top courses in Europe.
Great resort, 2 very very entertaining courses offering plenty of variation for a week stay. Evnroll Zero Putter Review. The tees and fairways flow into one another, creating a feel of openness and space, and the sea can be seen from absolutely everywhere, further adding to that allure. Cedric. Phillips altered the routing to incorporate all 14 damaged holes, plus four remodelled holes into the new East course configuration. The most scenic course of the season so far. The extensive renovation will seea number ofnew features and modification of the course route, so some of the hole numbers have been adjusted. As we were walking on site before the reconstruction, I mentioned that I was pondering a double green and he was quite excited about the idea. Sergio Garcia tells Me and My Golf GREAT driver tip: "Pull the chain! Golf Betting Tips: Cameron Young to finally win at Rocket Mortgage Classic? Second, what became clear to me is how both courses can play totally different from one day to the next because of the wind. Follow the latest news and trends in golf. My only nit-pick form the whole experience would be the lack of flow between the 16th green and 17th tee. This new configuration more clearly defines the two courses, whilst preserving an equal number of coastal holes on each course. Guests can also take advantage of theUnlimited Golfpackage until November 21, 2021, which includes an unlimited number of rounds, daily full breakfast, and 100 F&B credit per stay. The course combines strategy with stunning aesthetics well, with the latter being immediately apparent after a couple of holes. So you come here for the golf don't forget your clubs!
Having negotiated an intimidating tee shot, a long second is played to an undulating green positioned under the clubhouse bar, with the Med once again waiting to claim a pulled approach! Visit our corporate site. It is a style of golf I reveled in and I felt a real sense of accomplishment and joy when I hit a good, well-placed shot, or I used a slope to bring the ball closer to the hole. The staff claim that John Daly referred to the 18th on the West as the Pebble Beach of Europe and if true it is easy to see why all down the left of the hole there is simply a wooden fence separating the course from a cliff and the blue waters of the Med! VerduraResort features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, which offer a perfect solution for family holiday. The next outstanding hole is the par 3 10th which skirts a pond put in by architect Kyle Phillips to attract wildlife (and plenty of balls!) If youre looking for a more formal experience, try the wonderful Zagara, which serves exquisite Mediterranean food. There are a combined seven restaurants and bars at Verdura catering for different palates and moods. One little precision, the East course was the one that had most holes on the composite course for the Sicilian Open of last year. Measuring 6,547 metres from the back tees and playing to a par of 70, the slightly shorter East is no pushover, especially with three lengthy par four holes to start the round, before the first of five par three holes is played. 0 people found this review helpful That being said, as far as 36-hole resorts go, both courses are very high-quality in terms of design, conditioning, and enjoyment. "The green is absolutely massive and could be very interesting if you are putting on the wrong part of it! Phillips, arguably the most celebrated modern golf course architect, took inspiration from Britains classic seaside holes and sought to offer players multiple lines of play whilst also dealing with new technology. "We really knew how to LIV" Former pro reveals mind-blowing first contract.
He quickly became a golf equipment expert and has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice, and spends a lot of his time putting golf gear, apparel and shoes to the test. The 15th and the 17th both par 3s with lovely coastal backdrops come either side of a testing par 4, where you drive at a slight angle to a fairway bisected by a ridge. WATCH: PGA Tour Pro Makes Hole-In-One After Looking Away In Disgust, Westwood Hoping DP World Tour Makes LIV Ryder Cup Decision Sooner Rather Than Later, Report: Luke Donald To Be Named European Ryder Cup Captain, New $405m LIV Golf League Unveiled For 2023, 6 Things All Great Wedge Players Do (That You Don't! Moving on to the West Course, which I had played before, I had the same feeling of excitement and awareness of the challenge ahead. Sam is currently playing: It measures only 388 meters off the white tees but every time Ive played the hole it is into the wind making it a tough par indeed. I believe the sum of the parts add up to perhaps the best golf and leisure resort Ive ever visited. This includes daily breakfast, one green fee per nightly stay, and complimentary use of the driving range and spa facilities. "The drama of the coastline has been improved, so we have made the most of it," said Phillips. The back-nine however is where the West really goes to another level. Please refresh the page and try again. They make a fine climax to the round and a real test for anyone with a good card going up to that point. Learn how to chip like a winner on the DP World Tour! If you do write down a four here, get into the Torre Bar which sits above the green and enjoy that post-round drink. 4 of the best MacGregor Golf club sets, bags and trolleys of 2022, WATCH: Player leading climbs tree, fails to find ball, ends with quintuple-bogey, Bernhard Langer DOUBLE-HITS CHIP in second round of Senior Open, Start striping your putts with the all-new Zebra range, American Golf to become the shining jewel of Crown Point, Blue Tees Golf Rangefinders expand into the UK golf market, Most UNDERRATED driver of 2022?! ), Expert golfing tips, reviews, news & interviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. The last time I went to the Verdura Resort in Sicily was back in 2019 and the experience awakened me to the quality of golf available in Italy. 0 people found this review helpful The new signature ninth hole on the East Course is part of the major renovation project scheduled for completion in October with nine of the holes ready for play in August as world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips returned to the site of his original design in Sicily to work his magic again. For the time being at least. Kyle Phillips rearranged the routing to retain all of the damaged holes, along with four remodelled holes on the new East course configuration. A must in Sicily! Travel, golf resorts, lifestyle, gear, tour highlights and technology. The line is the chink of blue Med in the distance. He also added elements to deal with flooding which decimated the course in 2018. The final seven holes are all situated close to the coastline exposing you to picturesque views and stronger winds.
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