Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa’s growing status in the game has been recognised after becoming the first Italian course to be invited to join IMG Prestige, an exclusive collection of some of the world’s most celebrated golfing venues.
The deluxe five-star resort, which features 36 holes and hosted the 2011 Sicilian Open, joins an illustrious portfolio of courses including Kingsbarns, Scotland; Carton House, Ireland; Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand; Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa; Spain’s La Manga Club and Yas Links in Abu Dhabi.
Donnafugata was recently named as the top golf resort in Italy in 2012 by prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveller while it was also included in Rolex World’s latest list of top 1,000 courses.
IMG Prestige’s global reciprocal programme brings together a collection of the finest golfing facilities in the world in recognition of the exceptional experience they provide members and guests both on and off the course.
Pablo Rey Rodriguez, general manager at Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, said: “To join such a select and exclusive group of courses is a great honour.
“Being the first Italian venue to join IMG Prestige makes the new partnership extra special and we are looking forward to developing many new relationships with fellow members in the months and years to come.”
Situated 90 minutes’ drive from Catania airport, Donnafugata offers the perfect solution for people seeking a relaxing holiday in five-star surroundings on the largest island in the Mediterranean.
The venue boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses – the Links Course – designed by Franco Piras, a well knowned Italian member of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) and the Gary Player-designed Parkland Course – with the latter being used to stage last year’s Sicilian Open, won by Frenchman Rafael Jacquelin.
Donnafugata is located near to the historic town of Ragusa, the cradle of Sicilian Baroque architecture, with its neighbouring towns listed among the pearls of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Modica, Scicli and Noto.
As well as its golf courses, Donnafugata offers a 202-room five-star hotel, spa and wellness centre, swimming pools and fine-dining in three restaurants, and is the ideal destination for a holiday focused on sport and relaxation in a truly exclusive setting.
Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa www.donnafugatagolfresort.com
IMG Prestige www.imgprestige.com