Golf in Sicily

Golf?

In Sicily?

Yes! Golf and in Sicily!

This may well be something you haven't contemplated about Sicily before. There are golf courses here – five 18-hole courses to be exact, that are located all around the island in various beautiful corners, giving you the perfect chance to relax, play and see some of the country as well.

If you're looking for something different Sicily might be the perfect golf location for you.

Why play golf in Sicily

The courses in Sicily offer a moderate difficulty level for players. While scenery is not what you come to play golf for, the stunning locations of Sicily's courses offer golfers something they might not have experienced elsewhere – views. And even more uniquely each is genuinely different - from views of smoking volcanoes to rolling hills or the Med. Many of the courses also feature things like olive or lemon trees, providing some real local flavour and character as well. There is also some exceptional accommodation offered at Il Picciolo and Verdura courses.

Il Picciolo Golf Club

Il Picciolo (Par 72 - 5,870m) is Sicily's oldest golf course and is possibly the most stunning on the island. It is located right on the slopes of Mount Etna not far from Taormina with fantastic views as you take your putts – try not to get distracted by views of smoking craters. There aren't many places in the world that you can play on an active volcano and indeed when you're not playing, the volcano offers plenty of options for exploration. Il Picciolo also hosts some international tournaments such as the Ladies’ European Tour events.  Lava flows, trees and vineyards make the course relatively difficult, and it's more challenging than you would think. Il Picciolo boasts the freshly renovated hotel Etna Golf Resort & Spa.

Le Madonie Golf Club

Le Madonie Golf Club (Par 72 - 6,004m) is located on the northern coast not far from Cefalu. It could also be reached easily from Palermo if you prefer to stay in the city. This golf course only opened in 2004 but since then has hosted events such as the PGA Alps Tour. The course provides equally fine views as Il Picciolo, this time of the Aeolian Islands and Madonie Mountains. It also features tranquil groves of olive, almond and citrus trees, and provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities. There is also accommodation available at the golf club.

Verdura Golf and Spa Resort

The Verdura Golf and Spa Resort actually has two separate 18-hole championship courses: the East Course (Par 72 - 6,686m), and the West Course (Par 72 – 6,692m) and a smaller 9-hole option. Unlike the two previous courses the views here are of rolling hills along the shore. Indeed the grounds are quite lovely: 230 hectares and even two kilometres of private coastline. The courses were designed by golf architect Kyle Phillips. Verdura is easy to reach from Sciacca on the southwest coast and offers four-star lodging. There are 203 rooms and suites with private terraces and sea views.

Donnafugata Resort

This five-star resort and spa is located in Donnafugata, not far from Ragusa, where you'll also find a beautiful coastline and a wonderful countryside featuring the carob trees and dry-stone walls off the region. Donnafugata Resort has two courses: the Parkland Course (Par 72 - 6,666m) designed by Gary Player and a Links course (Par 72 – 6,650m). Like the other courses in Sicily there is as much to do off the course as on, so make sure you also schedule in time to visit cultural sites such as the towns of Modica, Noto, Scicli and Ragusa or the beaches at Marina di Ragusa and Punta Secca.

Disìo Resort

Disìo Resort is spread over the hills of Marsala and is an intoxicating mix of contemporary style and modern convenience in beautiful surroundings of  the province of Trapani. It is an ideal destination for golfers in search of tranquil, botanical surroundings and a driving range golf course. It comes complete with a fine restaurant, a nice selection of rooms and apartments, tennis court, swimming pool, games and entertainment for children, and several areas for relaxation and wellness for parents.