Verdura Resort praised by Tour stars

Stars from the European Tour have united in their praise for Sicily’s Verdura Resort, hailing it as one of the best and most spectacular tournament venues in the world, and we would have to agree!

Álvaro Quirós claimed victory with a par at the second extra hole after a tense play-off with South African Zander Lombard in the Sicilian sunshine, and the Spaniard led the accolades for Verdura Resort after being presented with the trophy by tournament host, Sir Rocco Forte.

Quirós said: “It’s an unbelievable sight, my room is unbelievable and the golf course is a paradise – it is a very complete resort.”

The tournament, the first time it has been played, was played on a composite course combining the finest holes from Verdura Resort’s two award–winning 18–hole championship courses, the East Course and West Course.

Measuring 7,217 yards, the par–71 lay–out comprised of nine holes each from the two Kyle Phillips–designed courses and featured one of the most dramatic finishes in world tournament golf, with the final six holes running adjacent to the coast and set against the magnificent backdrop of the azure Mediterranean Sea.

Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts said: “I'm really glad we're here, it's a beautiful place. The sea is unbelievably calm and blue and it's a fantastic place to stay at.

“I think you've got it all, 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.”

Local Italian favourite, Matteo Manassero, said: “I am glad to be back. It’s a great place, and it’s particularly great for us all to be back in the south of Italy playing golf – everything seems to taste better, the air is fresher. It’s just wonderful.”

Mateo Manaserro bunkering it up

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn added: “What a beautiful place and what a place to play golf, it’s a good job we have.”

Thomas Bjorn enjoying the sea views 

Situated on Sicily’s southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view.

For more information on Verdura Resort, visit www.roccofortehotels.com

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