Major champions in Paul Lawrie of Scotland and Michael Campbell of New Zealand are among the stars contesting this week’s Sicilian Open.
While a Seniors Tour event has been held in Sicily this week marks its debut on the main European Tour.
The event is being held inland on the Donnafugata Golf and Spa Resort course which is one of seven courses on the Italian island.
Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA ,Sicily - Photo thanks to European Tour
The Sicilian Open is also one three new events on the 2011 European Race to Dubai schedule joining the Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain and the Iskandar Johor Open.
And Sicily becomes the 42nd different destination to play host to a European Tour event.
Joining Lawrie and Campbell is eight-times European No. 1 Colin Montgomerie along with in-form fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher plus star Frenchman Gregory Havret.
Campbell returns to competition after a month’s break in Sydney.
And the 2005 U.S. Open winner is delighted to be among those creating history this week on the Italian island.
“It’s always nice coming to a new country to play golf and from what I’ve seen of Sicily, it looks stunning,” said Campbell.
“It’s good also for Italy, especially with the Molinari boys and Manny (Matteo Manassero) playing so well to have another Tour event in Italy.
“It can only boost interest in golf in this part of the world, so that’s a good thing.”
