Portugal’s largest golf course operator, Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure, has chosen two icons of European golf to launch an exciting new era for Sicilian golf destination at the new Costa Ragusa Golf. Spanish legends José María Olazábal and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, who between them have won no fewer than 87 tournaments worldwide in the span of five decades – have been selected to redesign the former Parkland and Links courses at the resort previously called Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, with the layouts being rebranded as the Castle and Queens courses.

The Queens Course – which will be designed by Jiménez in his first full golf course design project – is set to be unveiled next year with the Olazábal-designed Castle Course opening in 2028. Both courses will revive the spirit of Donnafugata’s old courses through thoughtfully reimagined layouts designed to captivate golfers of all skill levels.

Olazábal, a two-time Masters champion with a long Ryder Cup career both as a player and captain including an unforgettable victory in 2012, said: “What jewels those two courses are. It is simply wonderful that we can bring them back to life for all to enjoy again. And it is even more special that I get to do this together with my good friend Miguel Ángel.”

Jiménez, winner of 55 global tournaments including 21 on the European Tour and 17 on the PGA Champions Tour, said: “I am just as excited as José María. I will try to deliver a course that welcomes every golfer. The idea is to offer guests an experience full of character and joy.”

Both courses are set to play to a par of 72, with the two distinctive designs delivering exceptional variety for everyone that plays. Measuring 6,592 metres, the Castle Course will be the longer of the two, providing a world-class test capable of hosting top international tournaments, with the Queens Course slightly shorter at 6,105 metres from the back tees.

The courses will feature modernised greens, tees and bunkers to elevate the look, feel and playing experience at Costa Ragusa Golf, bringing renewed energy to one of Sicily’s most distinctive golf landscapes.

A compelling risk-and-reward philosophy will balance playability and enjoyment with strategic challenge, with special attention being paid to the efficient use of water, biodiversity protection and responsible land management. Sustainable measures will include reduced maintained grass areas, the preservation of native vegetation, waste reduction, energy-efficient course maintenance and close collaboration with local suppliers and communities. The revival of the Castle and Queens courses will strengthen both the golf experience and the environment in which they sit.

“José María Olazábal and Miguel Ángel Jiménez are two of the most respected figures in European golf, with an unrivalled combination of playing achievements, course knowledge and passion for the game,” said Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO at Details – Sports, Hospitality, Leisure.

“Beyond their remarkable careers, both bring distinct personalities and design philosophies that perfectly complement the character of these two courses. José María’s strategic approach and deep understanding of tournament golf make him ideally suited to shaping the Castle Course into a world-class layout, while Miguel Ángel’s creativity and passion for enjoyment and playability will ensure the Queens Course delivers a welcoming and engaging experience for golfers of all abilities.

“We’re very proud to be working with two icons of European golf in the redesign of the courses, and we’re confident that both will soon be regarded among the most compelling golf experiences in the Mediterranean.”

Costa Ragusa Golf, the company’s first project outside of Portugal,  is the newest addition to Details’ expanding golf portfolio. Situated in Sicily’s historic south-east region, the resort first opened in 2009 and had the honour of hosting the 2011 Sicilian Open before closing in 2020.

Details will be responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the 36-hole venue, including strategy, repositioning, marketing, sales and communications expertise, transforming the resort into a premier upscale resort destination combining hospitality and golf into a cohesive, premium offering.

Costa Ragusa Golf is located at the heart of one of Europe’s richest cultural landscapes. Sicily’s UNESCO-listed towns, acclaimed gastronomy, volcanic scenery and internationally celebrated wine region provide a depth of experience that elevates the proposition beyond just golf alone.

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