75 coastline that have been incorporated into the new design.” he says. Phillips has also enhanced the walkability, with generous tightly mown connections from green to tee. One highlight of the new layout is the par-four sixth, with long views along the Mediterranean coastline. “It is arguably now the prettiest hole on the property,” said Phillips. “The Mediterranean Sea runs the length of the right side and the view down the coastline goes on forever. The approach plays over a saltwater inlet carved out by the f lood to a seaside green that sits on the southern tip of the property.” Playing in the opposite direction, the thirteenth takes advantage of the dramatic mountain and coastline views. With the coastline on the left, this “wee par three” plays down to an undulating green that hugs the water’s edge. Also inspired by the f lood erosion is the addition of a new drainage burn that acts as a strategic element to the par-four third and par-five fourth holes, both of which play towards the sea. The new par-five eighth and par-four tenth holes now share a massive double green. “Sir Rocco is a keen golfer and appreciates the elements of traditional links golf. As we were walking on site before the reconstruction, I mentioned that I was pondering a double green and he was quite excited about the idea. It has turned out to be one of the more dramatic and interesting on the new course.” Sir Rocco Forte, the resort’s founder and chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, said: “I am tremendously excited by the new layout, which will enhance both the playing experience and magnificent views over the spectacular Sicilian coastline.” The East course is already rising up rankings since its reopening in October. Giacomo Battafarano, the general manager at Verdura, says: “To be rated among the world’s elite golf resorts and Italy’s best is an outstanding achievement for the resort and something that makes us all very proud. “The global reputation of Verdura for delivering excellence and outstanding service on and off the golf course continues to grow every year and, with the recent reopening of the East course, we’re confident that further exciting times lie ahead in 2022 and beyond.” GCA Looking north across Verdura Resort and its two courses, with the greens of (from left) holes thirteen, twelve and five in the foreground Photo: Verdura Resort
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