Best Kyle Phillips golf courses

Few modern golf architects have made as lasting an impression on the international golf scene as Kyle Phillips. Known for his ability to make new courses feel like they've existed for centuries, Phillips combines classical design principles with dramatic settings. Whether sculpting links-like landscapes or reimagining coastal resorts, his creations are sought after by discerning golfers worldwide.

If you're planning your next trip, here are six of the very best Kyle Phillips-designed golf courses that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Location: St Andrews | Type: Links | Par: 72 | Opened: 2000

Nestled along the rugged Fife coastline just minutes from St Andrews, Kingsbarns is a modern classic that feels as if it's been part of Scotland's golf history forever. With sweeping views of the North Sea from almost every hole, rolling fairways, and wide landing areas, Kingsbarns is both scenic and playable.

It’s a regular co-host of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and is consistently ranked among the top 50 courses in the world by the likes of Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses.

Architectural insight: The routing prioritises seaside views, offering glimpses of the North Sea on nearly every hole. The par-3 15th, playing across a rocky bay, is a standout.

Travel tip: Book Kingsbarns well in advance due to its popularity, especially in the summer. For a bucket-list trip, combine it with one of the courses at St Andrews Links, or for a more budget-friendly option, try out Crail Golfing Society.

Location: Ayrshire | Type: Links | Par: 72 | Opened: 2003

Located on Scotland’s west coast in the heart of golf-rich Ayrshire, 40 minutes southwest of Glasgow, Dundonald Links has quickly built a reputation as a modern masterpiece. From the get-go, the venue has hosted professional events, such as the Women’s and Men’s Scottish Open, and immediately ascended into the Top 100 Courses in Britain rankings.

The links-style design features natural dunes, firm fairways, and bold bunkering—everything you’d want from a Scottish golf experience.

Architectural insight: Phillips used subtle shaping to preserve the coastal dune system. The risk-reward par-5 18th is a thrilling finish that tests your decision-making.

Travel tip: On-site Dundonald Lodges provide luxury accommodations with direct course access, perfect for groups.

Location: Sicily | Type: Links | Par: 72 | Opened: 2009

Set against the Mediterranean coastline in Sicily on-site one of Europe’s top golf resorts, the Verdura East Course offers a sun-soaked take on links golf. Designed by Kyle Phillips in 2009, the layout provides a strategic test with panoramic ocean views on nearly every hole. It is ranked among the top 5 courses in Italy and top 100 courses in Europe by Top 100 Golf Courses!

Golf fanatics will remember Verdura as a three-time Sicilian Open host (2012, 2017, 2018), which was made up of a composite of the East Course and West Course, another Phillips design. The West Course offers broader fairways and a more relaxed layout, perfect for resort-style play without sacrificing challenge.

Architectural insight: Elevated tees and rolling fairways offer drama and variety, while smart bunkering encourages thoughtful play.

Travel tip: Book the stay & play package to access all 45 holes across the resort, plus the award-winning spa. The nearby archaeological site of Selinunte adds cultural flair.

Location: Abu Dhabi | Type: Links | Par: 72 | Opened: 2010

The first true links course in the Middle East, the Yas Links course blends desert landscapes with traditional Scottish design elements. Located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the course runs along the Arabian Gulf and features rolling terrain, pot bunkers, and breezy seaside holes.

It has hosted events on the DP World Tour and is a must-play if you’re exploring golf in the UAE.

Architectural insight: The closing stretch (holes 16-18) hugs the water and plays into prevailing winds, creating a thrilling finish.

Travel tip: Travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to tick-off all the DP World Tour courses in the UAE. The nearby Yas Acres is fantastic for a spot of night golf in the evening!

Location: Agadir, Morocco | Type: Links | Par: 72 | Opened: 2014

With Morocco continuing to grow into one of the world’s premier golf destinations, courses are expanding at a vast rate both in and out of Marrakech. Taghazout Bay is located in the country’s second golfing city of Agadir and is a more recent addition to Phillips' impressive portfolio of golf courses.

With elevated tees, ocean vistas, and a routing that winds through desert scrub and cliffside terrain, this course brings a refreshing new twist to coastal golf in North Africa.

Architectural insight: the layout maximises coastal exposure while integrating native vegetation for a sustainable, visually striking design.

Travel tip: stay at Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay – the hotel and golf course combine to produce one of North Africa’s leading golf resorts.

Location: Hertfordshire | Type: Parkland | Par: 72 | Opened: 2003

Closer to home, The Grove blends parkland charm with tournament-level conditioning. Situated close to London, the venue famously hosted 2006 WGC-American Express Championship with Tiger Woods claiming victory, as well as multiple British Masters events.

Despite this tour pedigree, the course is impeccably maintained and surprisingly accessible, making it an ideal spot for a short domestic break.

Architectural insight: Wide corridors and immaculate conditioning make it playable for all skill levels, while the routing emphasises movement and variety.

Travel tip: Easily reachable via train or car from London, The Grove is ideal for a 1 night golf escape with five-star service.

Kyle Phillips has proven time and again that great golf transcends borders. From Scotland to Sicily, Morocco to the Middle East, his ability to blend strategic design with local landscapes continues to elevate the global golf experience.

When planning your next trip, consider not only the courses but the cultural and travel experiences each destination offers. With Phillips’ courses, the game is only part of the story.