Il Picciolo Etna Golf Club Castiglione di Sicilia

Mount Etna is a magnificent presence on this 18-hole course created by architect Luigi Rota Caremoli in 1989 on the slopes of the volcano and nestled between the homonymous park, the Nebrodi Park and the Alcantara River Park. This presence does not limit itself to being simple scenery to be admired from afar: dark lava stone, a result of the frightening 1916 eruption, remains in many points, in particular on the back nine, complicating play for golfers, fascinating and intimidating at the same time. Caremoli was able to optimally exploit the 44 hectares of hilly land, masterfully inserting technical hazards in the context, so as to give the idea of a completely natural course. It was the first golf course opened on Sicilian soil. The first holes pass through an old hazel grove, then proceed through groups of weaver’s broom, forsythias and clusters of daisies until it reaches an area where the volcanic terrain takes over. Hole 18 ends right in front of the clubhouse, a large pink home, the traditional color of the manor houses standing on the shoulders of the volcano. The view from the terrace sweeps toward the peak dark with lava and the green of the Nebrodi mountains. Gentle vineyards that have made this place famous for producing a wine honored with the title of Etna D.O.C. extend around the area. One of the advantages of the Picciolo is that it can be enjoyed year round. The land does not freeze in the winter and in the summer, the 650 meters of altitude and the proximity to the sea, about 30 kilometers away, alleviate the climate which in other places burns the island.

Technical details

Course : 18 holes, Par 72, 5881 meters

Architect : Luigi Rota Caremoli

Topography : hilly, steep, a lot of trees

Distinctive features : the fairways are almost always hilly, and have some water and sand obstacles

Pro’s Comments

A true golfing jewel of Sicily, Il Picciolo has the advantage of an ever-changing landscape. Covering only 44 hectares, it is 30 kilometres from the sea and very close to the volcano Etna. The first holes go through an old hazelnut tree and pass through broom and daisies to reach the black part occupied by volcanic stone. A real palette of colours and scents! The course is not the longest, but precision is sometimes essential.