Robert Trent Jones, Jr. will oversee the renovation of the Antognolla golf course in Umbria, Italy, as part of a wider development of Antognolla Luxury Resort and Residences.

Established in 1997, Antognolla was originally designed by Jones, and it features long, cliff-lined fairways, water hazards and large, undulating greens.

According to Jones, Antognolla will become a must-visit golf destination at any time of the year. “The new bunkering will be visually stunning, naturally fitting within the landscape while enhancing the challenges and rewards throughout the course.” The existing bunkers will be redesigned or removed, with new bunkers strategically built. The bunkers will be finished with new layers of locally sourced sand.

The drainage system will be updated and expanded to create year-round playability, and the playing surface will benefit from sand-slitting which creates sandy subsurface seams to capture and move water for faster drainage.

A more efficient irrigation system will improve turf quality throughout the course, while reducing water consumption. The 13.5 acre reduction of irrigated turfgrass will further impact water use, and the turf will be replaced by a blend of fescue grasses. The existing bentgrass greens will remain intact as originally designed by RTJ II.

“This is an exciting time for Antognolla,” Jones said. “We are delighted to be part of the ownership group’s complete revitalisation of the resort.” This will include the redesigning of the practice facilities.

“Our aim is to create one of Europe’s top luxury resorts and the golf course is a key part of Antognolla’s vision,” said Victoria Sobolevskaya, head of hospitality asset management for VIY Management, the owners of Antognolla. Sobolevskaya added:“We are delighted Mr Jones and his team are leading the renovation to ensure the course once again delivers the quality this stunning setting deserves.”

Golf course work is being conducted by Atlantic Golf Construction, with irrigation work by Acquafert. Nine holes will remain open during construction, and the course is expected to fully reopen in autumn.