An international field is set to head to the award-winning Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa Resort at the end of this month to take part in the first-ever Sicilian Sizzler Mixed Pairs Tournament.

Amateur golfers from across the UK and Ireland will be joined at the deluxe venue by players from as far afield as America for the chance to be crowned inaugural champions of the event, which is being organised by bespoke UK golf tour operator Golf Par Excellence.

Taking place from September 29 to October 4 and costing £525 per person to enter, the Stableford tournament will see 24 pairs compete over 54 holes on Donnafugata's two championship courses, the Links and Parkland - venue for the 2011 Sicilian Open won by Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin.
Limited spots are still available for the event and late entrants have the chance to take advantage of the new Ryanair flight route from Stansted to Comiso airport which, situated just 20 minutes away, makes Donnafugata more accessible than ever.

Competitors will enjoy five nights' accommodation in the resort's five-star hotel, breakfast, two drinks receptions, a welcome Sicilian buffet and gala prize-giving dinner (both including wine), and experience some of the outstanding facilities that have helped Donnafugata become one of the most talked about new golfing venues in Europe.

Open to all golf club members with an official handicap, the event also offers competitors the opportunity to explore some of the historic sights of Sicily, whilst accommodation for an extended stay can be booked at Donnafugata for a special rate of £78 per person per night including breakfast.
James O'Sullivan, owner of Golf Par Excellence, said: "I am really looking forward to our inaugural Sicilian event as I know the courses will both entertain and test our competitors! 

"We've had a lot of entries to date but people still have the chance to take part and there is now the added attraction of flying into the new airport at Comiso.

"I'm delighted to be working with the Donnafugata resort, which is leaving no stone unturned to make sure our golfers see Sicily at its very best."
After hosting the 2011 Sicilian Open, Donnafugata has enjoyed an outstanding period of success including becoming the first course in Italy to join IMG Prestige, an exclusive collection of some of the world's most celebrated golfing venues.

The resort boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses and extensive practice facilities including a 70-bay driving range. One of the two courses is a Gary Player signature and the second 18 holes - The Links - was designed by Franco Piras.

Located just 20 minutes away from the newly-opened Comiso airport and in the beautiful area of Donnafugata, a natural reserve and famous tourist destination known for the imposing castle which bears the same name, the resort also boasts a number of fantastic historical cities. These include Val di Noto, the heart of Sicilian baroque: Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Noto and Scicli. All of them are deemed fitting of UNESCO World Heritage status.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa has 202 rooms, an award-winning spa and health club, swimming pools and three restaurants offering a broad selection of gastronomic delights, well accompanied by perfect Sicilian wines to enhance flavour. 

For further details about the 'Sicilian Sizzler Mixed Pairs Tournament' and to enter, phone 01737 211818, e-mail info@golfparexcellence.com or go to www.golfparexcellence.com/dox/tournaments/sicilian-sizzler-2013.htm.

For more information on Donnafugata or to book a stay, call 00 39 0932 914 200 or visit www.donnafugatagolfresort.com. 

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Information for journalists

Press release distributed by The Azalea Group.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & SpaDonnafugata Golf Resort & Spa (www.donnafugatagolfresort.com) belongs to Sotogrande. Perfect for sports, relaxing holidays and important events in exclusive surroundings, the resort is located in the heart of Sicilian baroque with pure beaches. The hotel has 202 rooms, Spa and health club, swimming pools, three restaurants, eight meeting rooms and two golf courses.Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, Contrada Piombo - 97100 Ragusa Tel: +0039 0932 914 200 Fax: +0039 0932 914 222 Email: nhdonnafugata@nh-hotels.com
 
High-resolution images of the resort are available for download from http://goo.gl/ggxHM.

For further information:
Pete Simm at The Azalea Group on +44 (0)1730 711920 or email petes@theazaleagroup.com or NH Italia S.p.A. (NH Hoteles)Federico FilippaCommunication, Public Affairs and Social Media ManagerPh.: 02 575551Mob.: 345 3791419e-mail: f.filippa@nh-hotels.com