Costa Ragusa Golf is set for a grand opening in February 2027 on the grounds of the original Donnafugata resort, which had boasted two highly regarded golf courses, originally designed by Franco Piras and opened in 2009.
Earlier this summer, we were invited over to the pre-opening of the new course ,which was hosted by Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and we were given the opportunity to interview him and ask about the new Queens Course.
Having hosted the 2011 Sicilian Open on the European Tour (now known as the DP World Tour) and preliminary stages of European Tour Q-School, the pedigree of the original layout spoke for itself. Due to mounting debt and the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 the golf resort was closed and left dormant for a number of years, but now, following an acquisition and investment from DETAILS Group, these sleeping giants are being awoken, and not only brought back to life but given a huge overhaul, turning the destination into something quite spectacular.
Miguel was in fine form and explained that he loved the original design and had influenced subtle changes to the shaping of the holes and position of the tee boxes to enhance the view of the course. By adding a wide selection of teeing areas (a total of 5 per hole), the course is designed to be challenging for the better player and manageable and enjoyable for all.
‘It’s not very long, but you need to be precise’ Commented Miguel
With an overhaul of all bunkers and greens the course presentation and quality will position it amongst the best resort courses in Europe. DETAILS have built a strong reputation in a short time and are known to ensure no corners are cut or expenses spared when it comes to presentation.
Related: Spanish Legends to Help Launch New Sicilian Golf Destination
Miguel is no stranger to redesigning golf courses, whaving put his personal touches on a number of courses including Prosper Golf Resort, Naco Golf and Country Club, Guadalhorce Club de Golf and Diamond Country Club.
When asked if he wanted to turn his attention to design more than playing Miguel was quick to assure us he still has plenty of golf left to play.
‘I love what I do in my life and that’s playing golf. You need to enjoy your life and I enjoy playing golf. My wife plays golf, my son plays golf, my life is golf’
What is on offer at Costa Ragusa?
As a destination, Ragusa has a lot to offer, with a beautiful historic Sicilian town, a lively port and an award winning winery. The coastline offers wonderful, natural, sandy beaches, making the surrounding area highly developed and a popular holiday destination for those who like class and sophistication with a Sicilian twist.
Where to Stay
The accommodation arrives in stages. Mangia’s Costa Ragusa Borgo opened on 1 July 2026, followed by Icona’s Costa Ragusa Resort on 1 August. The latter, a 105-room-and-suite property beside the archaeological site of Kamarina, is the quieter, more intimate option, which oozes class and sophistication.
Both hotels are built around a design identity inspired by the neighbouring ancient Greek city of Kamarina and the coastal legend of the mythological nymph. This historical narrative shapes a serene environment that pairs contemporary Sicilian architecture and local materials with refined regional gastronomy curated by local chefs. Centered on biophilic design and water, the property features quiet pool areas, private swim-up access, a SPA garden, and outdoor wellness spaces designed for holistic relaxation along the coast.
The 19th Hole and Beyond
At Icona’s, the planned dining ranges from Sicilian cooking at IBLÆ to the Japanese-Mediterranean approach of AMA and the shared-table Italian menu at TAVOLA A4. For a post-round drink, the Iblæ Terrace Lounge and AMA Sunset Terrace put the coastline firmly in the picture. These are announced offerings rather than restaurants we have visited or reviewed.
There is also a reason to make time away from the fairways. The resort sits beside ancient Kamarina, and the Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli and Noto are among the wider area’s attractions. Comiso airport is listed at approximately 30 minutes from Icona’s resort.
Golf Today verdict:
Is Costa Ragusa Ready for a Golf Trip?
As a travel prospect, Costa Ragusa combines a distinctive Sicilian base with a golf project that has a clear architectural story, to preserve Piras’s routing, then give players new decisions through the greens and bunkers. Jiménez’s emphasis on sightlines and shotmaking makes it one to follow.
For a trip built primarily around golf, though, wait for confirmed course-opening and booking details before committing. The hotels’ announced dates tell you when the stay is due to begin, they do not yet tell you when you can step onto the first tee.
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.