Sicilian Open: Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa Course preview
The European Tour’s Sicilian Open is about to hit the Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa in Italy. Here is a quick look at the course layout:
Hole# 1
The opening hole of the course is a par-4 and runs uphill towards the fairway. The fairway is wide enough to catch the ball, but has a bunker on the left. The green is strategically located on the left with bunkers on each side. A simple drive can help in reaching the green safely.
Hole# 2
This is the first par-5 of the course and is a delight for the long hitters. The fairway turns dogleg right and has a bunker to catch an errant shot. Some players might keep the ball on the left to target the green, but the fairway slopes into the rough and might lead to trouble in the end. Meanwhile, the green is bunkered on the foot and it might not catch the second shot, if it is blown out of proportion.
Hole# 3
The par-3 stretches to 199 meters. The green is barricaded on both the sides and sloped on the back. Therefore, the best approach to earn a point here is by keeping the ball in the centre or else it would roll into either of the two traps.
Hole# 4
The par-4 hole stretches on 387 meters and runs downhill towards the green. The landing area for the tee shot is flat in the centre and it makes an ideal location for attacking the green.
Hole# 5
The tee slopes downwards towards the fairway, which makes it easy to track the ball. The fairway turns left with a small bunker and a few trees on the opposite side. The ideal approach to reach the green safely is by keeping the ball in the centre. The green is protected on both the sides and rolls from back to front. Players will probably attack the green on the front to avoid the trouble of chipping out of a bunker.
Hole# 6
The par-4 hole is an ideal location to card a birdie. The fairway is wide enough to catch any errant ball. Most golfers will use a driver to plunge over. However, the green is the most difficult place on the hole and what makes it even difficult is the pin placement. Moreover, the putting area slopes back to front, which means the ball will roll into the bunker if it lands on the back.
Hole# 7
The par-5 hole runs to 477 meters, but it is extremely easy to card a birdie. Drive the ball towards the left side of the fairway to avoid the trap sitting on the right. Hit a fairway wood or a hybrid to reach the green, but aim the shot towards the centre, as there are two bunkers on each side. The green has water on the back, but it is nothing to worry about as long as the ball is kept in the centre.
Hole# 8
The green is bunkered on the right and slopes away from the back. Hit a 3-wood to reach the green in one stroke.
Hole# 9
The closing hole of the front is a tough one. The fairway is open, but has trees on each side. The second shot should be aimed towards the right side as that is the spot, which would help in targeting the green accurately.
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