Course Review - Redstone Golf Club & Verdura Golf and Spa Resort

The last event before the year's first Major sees fan favourite Phil Mickelson defending his title at the Shell Houston Open taking place at Redstone Golf Club in oil-rich Humble, Texas. This 6800m par 72 Rees Jones designed Tournament Course layout is hosting the event for the seventh time since opening for play in 2006. Conceived and designed to host PGA Tour events, the course is carved out of lush woodlands comprising pine, cypress and oak trees, with wetland areas resplendent with native plants and flowers.

Nicknamed The Open Doctor for his work on US Open venues, Jones has created an attractive fan-friendly layout requiring precision and wise shot selection, and the greens will be set up firm and fast as preparation for those playing in next week's Masters. The round begins with three par 4's under 390 metres where good placement off the tee is needed to be in position to attack the pins on the uniquely sculpted greens, followed by a reachable par 5 and a formidable 440m par 4. The driveable 300m par 4 12th presents a classic risk and reward challenge, with the 445m par 4 18th that runs alongside the lake providing a drama-filled finish.

After severe weather disruptions in Morocco last week, the European Tour returns to European soil for the Sicilian Open. Following the inaugural tournament last year at the Donnafugata Resort, this year's venue is the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort near the seaside town of Sciacca on the south-west coast of the Mediterranean's largest island. Italian teenage golfing sensation Matteo Manassero is confirmed to headline the 144-strong cast of players for the 2nd playing of the Sicilian Open that showcases one of the island's newest luxury resorts.

The Verdura Resort boasts two 18 hole links style championship courses, the East and the West, both of which opened for play in 2009. Both layouts were designed by renowned California based architect Kyle Phillips, whose credits include the acclaimed Kingsbarns course at St. Andrews. The composite 6744m par 72 tournament course is set amidst olive and orange groves and features undulating fairways and cavernous bunkers. Defending champion Raphael Jacquelin will be trying to avoid being distracted by the stunning views and breath-taking seaside finishing stretch as he tries to secure a rare repeat victory.