The Rocco Forte Open – Verdura, Sicily will return to the European Tour’s International Schedule from May 10-13, 2018.
First hosted by the Verdura Resort this year shortly after becoming a European Tour Destination, the tournament saw Spaniard Alvaro Quiros secure his seventh European Tour title after overcoming Zander Lombard of South Africa in a play-off.
The latest addition to the European Tour’s 2018 International Schedule, means there will now be a minimum of 46 events in 30 countries counting towards the season-long Race to Dubai.
Sir Rocco Forte, owner of Verdura Resort and Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: “The Rocco Forte Open was a great success this year and we are delighted to have the European Tour back again to Verdura Sicily, in 2018.
“We believe that Verdura Resort, Sicily, is one of Europe’s elite golf destinations, featuring two Kyle Phillips links golf courses set against the beautiful Sicilian backdrop, and we relish the opportunity to showcase the resort next May.”
European Tour Chief Executive Officer Keith Pelley said: “After such a successful first edition of The Rocco Forte Open, we are delighted to announce our return to the island of Sicily in 2018.
“Verdura Resort is a spectacular venue and presented a test that was enjoyed by who played there in May. We are constantly looking to provide playing opportunities for all our membership and the 2018 Rocco Forte Open will be an important tournament in that regard.”
Verdura Resort
Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotels resort, has established itself amongst Europe’s premier contemporary and exclusive golf and lifestyle destinations. The resort is set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. The venue is located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, a 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports.
Verdura Resort features 203 rooms and suites, all with sea views, as well as three new villas offering a perfect solution for family holidays (each with a private swimming pool), and is a paradise for golfers with its outstanding facilities. Players from all over the world come to enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course, with all three links-style layouts designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips, built to the highest specifications and playable all-year-round. A member of the exclusive European Tour Properties network as a European Tour Destination, Verdura Resort hosted the 2017 Rocco Forte Open. The resort’s East Course is ranked as one of the finest in continental Europe while its beautiful West Course, also a par-72, provides the ideal complement and features one of the most memorable finishes anywhere in the world with the final four holes set alongside the Mediterranean. The courses are matched by outstanding practice amenities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy.
Rocco Forte Hotels
Established by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 11 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas.
Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Sicily; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown’s Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Assila Hotel, Jeddah.
Future openings: Rome and Shanghai in 2019.
