Parkland at Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa sits in the southeastern corner of Sicily near Ragusa, a baroque hilltop city in the province's agricultural heartland. Gary Player designed this parkland layout, which opened in the early 2000s as part of a resort development that includes spa facilities and accommodations. The course represents one of Player's European projects and brings his design philosophy—emphasizing strategic bunkering and risk-reward options—to the Sicilian landscape.

The routing moves through gently rolling terrain planted with Mediterranean vegetation, including olive and carob trees that frame fairways and provide definition to holes. Water features appear on several holes, adding both visual interest and strategic challenge to what is otherwise a relatively open parkland design. The layout accommodates players of varying abilities through multiple tee positions, a characteristic of Player's resort-oriented work. Fairway corridors are generally generous, though greenside bunkering requires precision on approach shots.

The setting offers views toward the surrounding countryside, with the distant Hyblaean Mountains visible from elevated points on the property. The course serves both resort guests and outside play, functioning as a golf destination in a region of Sicily better known for its archaeological sites and baroque architecture than for golf. The facility has hosted regional amateur competitions and remains the primary championship-length course in the Ragusa area.