Verdura East: 2026 Access and Booking Update
The East Course at Verdura, Rocco Forte's vast resort on the south coast of Sicily, is the highest ranked course on the island and a Kyle Phillips design along the Mediterranean. Here is where it stands in 2026, how access works, and how to play it.
The news: Sicily's number one, at a Rocco Forte resort
The East Course sits within the Verdura Resort near Sciacca on the south coast of Sicily, a 230 hectare estate run by Rocco Forte Hotels that pairs two championship courses with a five star hotel, spa and a long private stretch of Mediterranean shoreline. As it heads into 2026, the East remains the ranked centrepiece, holding the number one position in Sicily on the leading course tables.
The story here is one of established quality rather than upheaval. Verdura has long been the marquee golf destination in Sicily and a regular host of professional events, and the East continues to anchor that reputation. For 2026 the resort enters the season as a fully mature luxury golf property, the kind of place a travelling golfer builds an entire Sicilian trip around.
The course itself
The East Course was designed by Kyle Phillips, the architect behind Kingsbarns, and opened in 2010. It plays as a par 72 of around 6,138 meters, roughly 6,710 yards, running across the coastal estate with several holes routed right along the sea. The Phillips trademarks are present: generous, intelligent shaping, options off the tee and greens that demand thought, all framed by the Mediterranean light.
Verdura is a two course resort, with the East joined by a West Course also from Phillips and a nine hole par 3 layout, plus an extensive practice operation. The contrast between the seaside drama of the East and the slightly more inland West gives golfers staying on site genuine variety, which is part of why the resort works as a multi day base rather than a single round detour.
How to play it in 2026
The practical reality for 2026 is welcoming: the East is a green fee course open to resort guests and visitors, and the resort offers a discount for golfers booking multiple green fees, which rewards a stay built around both courses. Staying on site is the natural way to play Verdura, combining tee times with the hotel, spa and dining on the estate.
On timing, Sicily plays comfortably for much of the year, with spring and autumn the prime golf seasons and mild winter golf very possible, while high summer brings real heat. Green fees are premium for the region and vary by season, so treat them as indicative for the 2026 season and confirm rates, package terms and tee availability directly with the resort before booking.
Our take
Our take is that Verdura East is the most complete golf experience in Sicily and one of the best in southern Italy, a polished, scenic Kyle Phillips course attached to a resort that does the rest of the holiday to the same standard. It is not cheap, but it delivers the seamless luxury that its price implies, which is rarer than it should be.
If you are planning a 2026 Sicily trip, base yourself at the resort, play both the East and West, and lean on the multiple green fee discount to make the most of a stay. Travel in spring or autumn for the kindest weather, allow time for the coast and the food beyond the gates, and confirm rates and tee times directly with the resort before you commit.
Plan your Sicily golf trip
From the East and West courses at Verdura to the wider golf and culture of Sicily, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge builds and costs the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
Can visitors play Verdura East?
Yes. The East Course is one of two championship 18s at the Verdura Resort near Sciacca in Sicily, a Rocco Forte hotel. It is a green fee course open to resort guests and visitors, with a discount offered for booking multiple green fees. Confirm rates and tee availability directly with the resort before booking.
Who designed Verdura East and how long is it?
The East Course was designed by Kyle Phillips and opened in 2010. It is a par 72 of around 6,138 meters, roughly 6,710 yards, running across a coastal estate above the Mediterranean and is ranked the number one course in Sicily.
When should I play Verdura?
Sicily plays comfortably for much of the year, with spring and autumn the prime golf seasons and mild winter golf possible. Green fees are premium for the region and vary by season; treat them as indicative for the 2026 season and confirm directly with the resort before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course, season and access details verified June 2026 from resort and golf travel sources; conditions and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.