Verdura turns on the style for European Tour stars

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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.

European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn was among the top names taking part in this weekend’s inaugural 2017 Rocco Forte Open – Verdura.

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.

As well as having the chance to test their skills on Verdura Resort’s world-class golf courses, the players and their families also had the chance to experience the exclusive venue’s array of other first-class facilities during an unforgettable week.

Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, who starred for Europe at the 2012 Ryder Cup, 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.”

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

Nestling on the coast in 230 hectares of stunning landscape, Verdura Resort is ideal for a golf break and features two outstanding 18-hole championship courses – the East Course and West Course – as well as a par-three nine-hole course, all designed by Kyle Phillips.

Complementing Verdura Resort’s outstanding golf courses are extensive golf practice facilities including a double-ended driving range and outstanding academy. In addition, guests can enjoy numerous other sports and leisure amenities including six tennis courts, an array of different watersports, a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and an award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex.

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.

Away from the fairways, the resort features an array of other luxury sports and leisure facilities while guests also have the opportunity to sample a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.

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

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