How did Kyle Phillips upgrade the golf courses at Verdura Resort?


By: October 20, 2021


In 2009, Kyle Phillips has designed two 18-hole golf courses and a 9-hole course for the Verdura Resort. Verdura Resort was the host venue of the 2012 Sicilian Open. The resort is a member of the European Tour Destinations. network

Today, Verdura Resort is the only Italian golf resort with 45-holes. Four years ago I could mention Golf Club Castelconturbia (designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.), but today they can offer only 27-holes.

Verdura Resort golf course Kyle Phillips design

Verdura Resort has recently returned to 45 holes with the reopening of the spectacular new-look East Course following a major redesign.

The extensive renovation has seen a number of new features added and modifications made 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 new additions, while the planting of fescue grasses throughout the course gives the layout added definition.

Kyle Phillips said

  • The drama of the coastline has been improved.
  • One of the big differences 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. This will make the East Course a par-73 course and the West a par-70.
Verdura Resort Kyle Phillips designed golf course

What I really missed in this renovation: sustainability measures

I hope it’s just my inattention that I haven’t found any indication of how Verdura Resort is improving the sustainability of its golf courses. Today, we can see clearly the connection/relationship between ESG and business performance.

Investment in sustainability is not optional, it is a must-have regardless of the size of your golf club business. Look what Costa Novarino or Oaks Prague has achieved in this field! Just a few examples.