Played by NCG: Verdura
Reason for a Verdura Golf Club review
I was invited to play Verdura as part of a press tour of Sicily.
Where is Verdura?
Verdura Resort is located on the south-west coast of the Italian island of Sicily.
Set within a valley of olive-trees, the luxury complex overlooks the stunning Mediterranean Sea. With two 18-hole championship golf courses and one nine-hole par-3 course, the warm climate makes this the ideal place for year-round golf.
What to expect
The East Course requires precision but will reward you with magnificent views.
Designed by Kyle Phillips, the man behind Kingsbarns, this undulating course makes the allows you to experience some of the best scenery on this picturesque island.
Favourite hole
The 18th is the most spectacular. Hugging the coastline and with the waves crashing just below you, it is a brilliantly dramatic end to the course.
Starting from an elevated tee, the sea runs down the entire right-hand side of the par 4. If you’re likely to hit a slice (like myself) you will probably be in trouble. I lost my ball in the shrubbery, but it was still a highlight.
My best bit
I handled the 6th remarkably well. This was another waterside hole where the likelihood of sending my ball sailing into the clear blue sea was very high.
Playing against the wind, I used an 8-iron on the 112 yard par 3 and managed to get the ball safely on the green.
What to look out for
One of the quirks of Verdura are the bikes that are dotted around the resort. These are there to make getting around the two kilometres of private coastline that bit easier and the short ride from the hotel to the clubhouse is lots of fun.
When I go back
I will stay for several days rather than just one night. This will give me chance to spend lots of time on the private beach and relax in the spa. And of course play more golf.
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Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
