Italian islands aim to attract UK golfers
June 20, 2010

While the beautiful Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia have long been known for their breathtaking natural beauty, it is an overlooked fact that they also feature some of the finest locations to indulge in a round of golf.

But all that is set to change with the opening of the new Verdura Golf and Spa Resort in Sicily poised to highlight the advantages of a golfing break on one of the Italy's world-renowned islands.

Opened in the last six months, Verdura offers two of the seven 18-hole courses to be found in Sicily and Sardinia and the islands' stunning scenery will spoil the most hardened of travelling golfers as they navigate their way along lush fairways.

"Verdura is just one example of the commitment that the people in Italy are making to a growing market for us," said Valerio Scoyni, director of ENIT, Italy's national tourist board.

"With the increasing awareness of the excellent professionals we have on the main tour, the courses are becoming more recognised and the services offered are superb."

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts four 18-hole venues and the striking contrast of the snow-capped peak of Mount Etna and spectacular stretches of coastline provides a wonderful backdrop for golf.
Billed as the most exciting new resort in Europe and set over 230 hectares, Verdura offers two 18-hole championship golf courses and a nine-hole lay-out which have all been designed by leading architect Kyle Phillips .

Le Madonie Golf Club features five artificial lakes and numerous bunkers as you navigate your way around an estate of olive, orange, lemon and almond trees, while Il Picciolo Golf Club offers the unique experience of playing on the slopes of Mount Etna itself - Europe's largest volcano.
Located at an altitude of 650 metres, the par-72 course meanders through the black rocks of the lava flows and is an experience not to be missed.

Sardinia is the perfect venue for all golf lovers and its golf courses are some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean area.
Less than an hour from Cagliari airport and featuring 27 holes, Is Molas is the oldest course on the island and has had then privilege of hosting the Italian Open four times.

Robert Trent Jones' design at Il Pevero, on the Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia, has been hailed as one of the most beautiful courses in the world with its mixture of dense vegetation and bizarre rock formations with breathtaking sea views

The tree-lined course at Is Arenas Golf & Country Club in Oristano will test even the straightest of hitters - as you would expect from a Robert von Hagge creation - while the nine-hole course at Puntaldia offers a more relaxing but no less enjoyable experience.

And with their favourable all-year-round climates and easy accessibility from the UK, golfing in Sicily and Sardinia has never been so attractive.
Scoyni added: "We know how good our golf product is and we are determined to attract as many UK golfers to our golf courses as possible.
"We have been working hard with all our resort suppliers to make sure that they make their rates as attractive as possible in these difficult economic times."

To enquire about a golf break or for further information on golf in Italy, please phone 020 7399 3550/7 or visit www.italiantouristboard.co.uk