The Zion Hills Golf County resort in Kolar, India, now has 18 holes in play following a decade-long project to complete the second nine.
The first nine of an eighteen-hole plan by Golfplan’s Ron Fream, Kevin Ramsey and George Philpott, opened in 2012. In 2015, Fream and Philpott, who by then had established his own firm, Legacy Golf Course Architecture, completed a revised routing plan and construction drawings. The project has since seen substantial redesigns, new construction and modifications to the site’s natural features.
“Ron and I completed the first set of plans in 2015,” said Philpott. “By the time construction began in 2021, Ron had retired, and the anticipated land acquisitions had shifted significantly. We had to redesign the majority of the back nine just to make the routing fit within the new boundaries.”
The final routing of Zion Hills’ back nine is the result of a long period of refinements over the decade-long project (Image: Legacy Golf Course Architecture)
Philpott describes the redesign as one of the more challenging of his career. “It was difficult just to fit nine holes with housing, let alone deliver an eighteen-hole championship-calibre course,” he said. “It took time, but it eventually came together. The revised phase two drawings were completed in July 2022.”
Philpott has honoured Fream’s early vision for the site, with the final routing incorporating features Fream had long wanted to see built. “Ron always wanted an island green at Zion Hills, so I included one in the back nine design,” said Philpott. “We also placed the sixteenth green atop natural rock outcrops exactly as he had encouraged years earlier.”
Construction was completed in early 2025 by a large team that included local villagers, who contributed extensive manual shaping and finishing work.
“Our approach was always to create a course that is tournament-ready but still enjoyable for all skill levels,” said Philpott. “Each hole contains six tee positions, ranging from championship markers to very forward junior tees. Depending on the box you choose, the course can play anywhere between 4,480 and 7,330 yards.
“Strategic bunkering encourages decision-making, with skilled players able to pursue aggressive lines while higher handicappers are offered wider landing areas and more forgiving approaches. The meticulous maintenance further elevates playability for all levels."
Philpott highlights the tenth, a double-dogleg par five playing between 365 and 565 yards, as a standout hole. “While a shorter par five in length, the tenth proves to be formidable nonetheless,” he said. “Thoughtfully located hazards make this hole both visually stunning, and a three-shotter for most. The hole moves through a landscape of waterfalls and lakes to the left and sweeping views of the public lake to the right, culminating in a well-protected green that often encourages a lay-up for a precise approach.”
He also references the sixteenth, a par three of 210 yards from the back tee. “The left side offers a more accessible pin with a clear line of play,” said Philpott. “But the green then winds right and back towards the tee into a blind pocket set atop natural rock outcrops. When the flag is positioned on this elevated section, golfers must choose between a safe shot to the left – leaving a long putt – or a bold attempt directly at the perched target.”
Watch: A hole-by-hole flyover of all 18 holes at Zion Hills.
A large team that included local villagers contributed to shaping and finishing work (Photo: Legacy Golf Course Architecture)
Construction was led by shaper Bill Kessener, who lived on site for extended periods to oversee the work. Agronomist James Prusa guided turfgrass selection and grow-in, with the course now featuring Tifway hybrid bermuda on fairways and rough and A-4 bentgrass greens – the first installation of cool-season bentgrass putting surfaces in the Bangalore region.
Mass grading was completed by Sanmarga Enterprises, while Karan and Associates carried out finishing works with golf-specific machinery. Rain Bird designed and supplied the irrigation system, which was installed by Jayam Technologies. Additional materials, including drainage pipes, were sourced from local suppliers.
Zion Hills has hosted several professional tournaments, with Kshitij Naveed Kaul winning an event on the Professional Golf Tour of India with a score of nine under par (Photo: Legacy Golf Course Architecture)
“The back nine opened for play in April 2025 and has already hosted several national tournaments, including events on the Professional Golf Tour of India and the Women’s Golf Association of India, as well as junior and amateur competitions,” said Philpott. “The professional events produced some of the toughest winning scores in recent seasons, with the PGTI winner finishing at nine under par over four days and the WGAI champion at level par across three rounds.”
Player feedback from these events has been notably positive, according to Philpott. “Many players described Zion Hills as reminiscent of European layouts and well suited to international competition,” he said. “It has tested professionals while remaining enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, which was always our goal.”