Verdura Resort in Sicily, Italy, is set to reopen 18 holes in summer 2021 following renovation work completed by Kyle Phillips.

In 2019, Phillips started work on 14 coastline holes that were damaged by a freak flood at the end of 2018 – with both the West and East courses affected. Since then, the resort has kept 18 holes open, comprising a mix of West and East. Design work was completed last autumn, with reshaping and reseeding of the course under way this year.

“Plans were assembled to maintain the route of the 14 holes whilst also conforming them to the new shoreline configuration,” said Phillips. “Players returning to Verdura are most likely to notice the changes that have occurred along the coastline and how we have incorporated them into the design of the course. All of which will add to the drama and pleasure, of what is effectively, a new course, with new surfaces on the greens, freshened bunkers and new turf in the fairways and roughs.”

Sir Rocco Forte, founder and chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: "I am tremendously excited by the new course and layout, which will enhance both the playing experience and magnificent views over the spectacular Sicilian coastline.”

The resort – home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open – will allow the course plenty of time to grow in before reopening the layout next summer.