SICILY’S VERDURA RESORT UNVEILS UPGRADED ACADEMY AS PART OF MAJOR GOLF INVESTMENT

Golfers at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, can enjoy an enhanced luxury experience from this spring with the acclaimed Sicilian venue having undertaken a further upgrade of its award-winning golf facilities, including a major new investment in its golf academy. A new fitting and coaching centre with advanced technology is at the forefront of an array of improvements that the Rocco Forte resort has made in 2024 as part of an overall investment of more than €1 million in its golf offering.

Having undertaken a major remodelling of its East and West courses and a significant investment in a course maintenance programme, which features a new sustainable irrigation system, Verdura Resort has carried out several additional new upgrades to the facilities and services it offers to all visiting golfers. As well as constructing a new cover at its double-ended driving range to allow for practice in all conditions, two studios have been built for club-fitting and swing analysis using the latest state-of-the-art technology including Trackman, V1 Swing Analysis software, 3D Balance Force plates, 3D Biomechanical and Sam PuttLab analysis.

In addition, guests can enjoy access to a range of leading golf brands including Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist and Wilson Staff at the academy’s fitting centre. The resort’s fleet of Club Car buggies has been upgraded with GPS, and a new online booking system has been installed to allow golfers to book tee times directly in a faster, more efficient way.

Donato Di Ponziano, Verdura Resort’s golf development manager, said: “Verdura’s golf courses are renowned across the world and the recent improvements that have been made have helped the resort to win a number of leading international accolades.  

“It is of great importance to us that the high quality of the courses is matched by the other golf facilities that we offer, and the latest upgrades that have been made will ensure that all our golfers are offered an enhanced high and qualified level of service to guarantee comfort, relaxation and fun in one of Europe’s most idyllic golf locations.

Home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, Verdura Resort is nestled in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast and features two 18-hole links-style championship golf courses – the West Course and remodelled East Course – a nine-hole executive course also designed by acclaimed golf architect Kyle Phillips and outstanding practice facilities including Italy’s only European Tour-approved Performance Institute. The courses and facilities combined have established Verdura as one of the world’s elite golf and lifestyle destinations.

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, offers a choice of 203 elegant rooms and suites as well as 20 new Rocco Forte private villas, and is famous for offering members and guests an unforgettable five-star golf experience in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. In addition to golf, guests can enjoy an extensive range of luxury sports and facilities including the award-winning Irene Forte Spa, as well as the opportunity to sample the very best in gastronomy, wine, history and culture.