INFINITUM, the 45-hole golf resort and real estate development on Spain’s Costa Dorada, has begun work on the front nine of the Hills course as the second stage of its multi-million euro renovation project to further elevate the popular layout gets underway.
Following extensive work on the back nine – work which received positive reviews during the recent hosting of DP World Tour Final Stage Qualifying School – the next stage of INFINITUM’s golf course investment project, led by Dave Sampson of European Golf Design, will see several changes made across the course’s front nine holes.
Major work on the first hole will see the current shape of the hole altered. A current left to right dogleg, the layout will be changed to create a right to left dogleg. A new and improved short game area including a putting green and chipping area will be created by the first tee, with the first hole’s new layout meaning the current driving range and chipping area will disappear.
Big changes will also be made to the ninth hole, with a new tee box extending the hole and a redesigned green complex being moved further right from its current position. Work will also take place to the rockface façade of the green on the eighth hole.
In line with the resort’s commitment to sustainability, the current fairway grass on the back nine will be replaced with the highly drought-resistant Bermuda 419 to reduce demand for water throughout the year. Meanwhile, Zoysia grass will be implemented around each bunker to cut down on water and chemical consumption, following the model used in the renovation of the neighbouring Lakes course last year and on Hills front nine earlier this year.
Joaquín Mora Bertrán, deputy general manager at INFINITUM, said: “This next phase of the Hills renovation represents our continued commitment to elevating the golfing experience at INFINITUM. This project is about ensuring the Hills stands proudly alongside Europe’s best courses, matching the exceptional standard set by the Lakes following its recent transformation. By refining strategic elements of the layout and embracing sustainable solutions throughout, we are shaping a course that challenges and excites golfers.”
Completed work on the back nine has delivered significant enhancements, highlighted by a dramatic new island-green-style 18th hole set within the iconic quarry backdrop. Additional improvements include a lengthened par-three tenth with a redesigned green complex, a new water feature adding challenge to the 15th, and reversed playing directions on the 15th and 16th to further elevate strategy and overall player experience.