In Sicily, a stunning renovation

Verdura Resort in Sicily returns to 45 holes with the reopening of the spectacular new-look East Course following a major redesign.

Golf course architect Kyle Phillips has returned to the site of his original creation to upgrade the 18-hole championship layout. Phillips has spent the last three years reworking his magic at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel. The revamp course was unveiled earlier this month.

The extensive renovation included numerous additions and modifications to the routing of the East Course and the neighboring West Course. The reordering of hole numbers has allowed for the restoration of former favorite holes and brings exciting additions, while the planting of fescue grasses throughout the course provides added definition.

“We have certainly made the most of the terrain available to us,” Phillips said. “The drama of the coastline has been improved and we’re proud of what has been achieved. It is new and fresh, the result is great and I think it will be really well received. It has definitely reached the level we were striving for.

One of the bigger differences, Phillips said, “is with the routing. With the previous layout, you would cross the other course and they would weave through each other a little at times. Now they are more clearly defined. The course now starts near the practice range on an existing hole, has 14 new holes in between and then finishes on three existing holes back to the clubhouse.”

Both the par-73 East Course and the par-70 West Course will “be good challenges,” Phillips continued. “Naturally, with any new course, it takes time to take shape and we’re expecting it to continually improve throughout the winter months so that golfers will enjoy even better playing conditions in 2022.”

The reopening of the new East Course adds to the extensive selection at Verdura Resort. Home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, Verdura is nestled on almost 570 acres of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast. The courses and facilities combined have established Verdura as one of the world’s elite golf and lifestyle destinations.