- Verdura Resort hosted the inaugural Sir Rocco Forte Captain’s Trophy in Sicily in September.
- The 36-hole Stableford competition was played across the East Links and West Shore courses.
- Team Verdura Golf Club won the team title.
Colin Montgomerie joined amateur golfers at Sicily’s Verdura Resort for the inaugural Sir Rocco Forte Captain’s Trophy, a four-day event combining competition on its two championship courses with dining and activities for accompanying guests.
Montgomerie gave a driving-range exhibition and took part in an evening interview, discussing the technique and approach behind a career that brought 31 European Tour titles, eight Order of Merit wins and eight Ryder Cup appearances. The visit was his first to Sicily, having previously travelled to mainland Italy for Italian Opens.
“It was a real pleasure to be part of the first Sir Rocco Forte Captain’s Trophy. I have visited mainland Italy many times over the years, including to play in Italian Opens, but this was my first time in Sicily – and it has been an absolute dream,” said Montgomerie .
“It is even better than I could have imagined: so peaceful, beautiful and idyllic. I love the Mediterranean, the people, the food and the incredible setting here at Verdura. Both the East Links and the West Shore courses are fantastic, and the facilities around them are first class, giving you everything you need to enjoy your golf. It is a very special place.”
The event was organised in partnership with Milan-based travel agency and tour operator Raro Discovery. Donato Di Ponziano, Golf Development Supervisor for Rocco Forte Hotels, directed the tournament.
Two Courses and a Team Win
The competition was open to amateur golfers registered with their respective golf federations. Three handicap categories were offered, with prizes for net and gross performances across individual and club leaderboards.
A sunset aperitivo and welcome dinner at Amare Restaurant opened the programme. Competitors then played an 18-hole Stableford round on East Links, followed by a second round on West Shore, before the prize ceremony and gala dinner at Zagara.
Team Verdura Golf Club claimed the team honours. Massimo Calcara finished first in the First Net Category, Andres Jimenez Villa won the Second Net Category and Rudy Botta took the Scratch Net title.
Beyond the Competition
Companions were invited to cooking classes led by Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels. The sessions explored Sicilian cuisine and seasonal produce.
Guests also had access to Verdura’s practice facilities, private coastline and 4,000m² Irene Forte Spa. The resort’s restaurants formed part of the event itinerary, with Sicilian flavours carried through the dining programme.
Verdura’s two 18-hole championship courses were designed by Kyle Phillips. The Rocco Forte property occupies 230 hectares on Sicily’s southwest coast, between the Valley of the Temples and Sciacca, with olive groves, citrus orchards and 1.8 km of private coastline.
Verdura also expanded its coaching offer this year with the launch of the Simon Holmes Academy. The programme combines personalised technical work with guidance on scoring and managing the course.
Related: Verdura Resort launches Simon Holmes Academy in Sicily
Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.