Il Picciolo, Sicilly
Amazing course refurbishements and Now Open !
The latest news from this unique location nestled on the lower slopes of Europe’s most famous volcano. The first phase of this exciting new project at Il Picciolo is focused primarily on the golf course, practice facilities and clubhouse with an initial investment of around €1,000,000.This initial phase will be fully complete by early September, in many cases the results are already very apparent – especially on and around the golf course itself.
The hotel finally reopened last Friday and the resort is now fully operational (except for the Turkish bath and the sauna in the spa, which will remain closed until July 1st in line with the current regional Covid related restrictions). However, It has been necessary to create a temporary golf reception and pro shop area on the second floor of the clubhouse – at least until the works are complete on the first floor.
Here is a list of the main investments and service related improvements that are included in the first phase of this new project
Golf course
- New head greenkeeper and 50% increase in number of greenkeeping staff.
- Considerable increase in the number of greenkeeping machines available
- Marked improvement in general condition of rough areas,which will in turn help to reduce slow play, whilst at the same time further enhancing some of the resort’s unique characteristics such as the dark lava stone walls that feature on and around the course.
- Resurfacing of existing cart paths.
- Reinforced showcasing of lava stonework used in the construction of many of the tee boxes and that also features on numerous terraced areas around the course.
- Completely new set of golf course accessories ( new course signage and new hole maps, ball washers, towels, benches, recycling waste bins beside tee boxes).
- Implementation of new pin position indicators on flagsticks.
- Brand new fleet of 20 EZGO RXV buggies.
Practice facilities
- New mats (including 2 teaching mats), targets and distance markers for the driving range.
- New security netting between driving range and the 1st tee.
- Wall to be removed in covered area of driving range, thus creating at least 1/2 more training stations/spaces and also facilitating group coaching on wet days.
Clubhouse
- New open space golf reception, pro shop and bar/cafeteria area on first floor.
- Complete refurbishment of changing rooms.
- Large, previously unused terrace overlooking 18th and 9th greens will be equipped with parasols and incorporated within the bar area.
- Trackman/simulator (Trackman 4 Indoor/Outdoor model) dedicated area on first floor close to bar, which can be used either by PGA pros for teaching purposes or simply by individual clients for fun competitions played on some of the world’s most famous golf courses.
- New office on ground floor for helicopter tour service (without doubt one of the resort’s USPs!)
- Rustic style area of clubhouse will be specifically set aside for wine tasting sessions.
- New TV area within bar (offering mainly golf channels throughout the day, but also available on request for watching important football & rugby matches etc.).
Hotel
- New garden bar offering typical local snacks throughout the day.
- Opening of second restaurant for dinners, where the focus will be on typical Sicilian cuisine (using “Km. 0” local produce).
- Movable partitions with plants to be installed in main restaurant of hotel, thus helping to separate groups from each other (and from individual guests) and to create a somewhat more private and cosier atmosphere.
- More golf related articles (e.g. golf images, golf bags, display cabinets with articles from pro shop such as polo shirts, caps, gloves etc.) will be used for decorative purposes in the lobby, bar and the main corridor of the ground floor
We think you will agree this will make for a truelly golfing atmosphere at this fine location in Sicilly.
Contact A Golfing Experience for more details and reservations. @agolfingexp
