The 2018 PGAs of Europe Annual Congress and International Team Championship (ITC) returns to Costa Navarino in Greece for the second time from 20-23 November.
After a hugely successful hosting of the week in 2017, the Association’s flagship event will again showcase the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean that currently includes sanctioning of their Messinia Pro-Am and regularly hosting the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am.
Costa Navarino is experiencing an exciting time in its history having recently announced that two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend, José María Olazábal, will design the two new 18-hole courses at Navarino Hills that will overlook The Bay Course and the historic Bay of Navarino, set high above the coastline.
Costa Navarino, voted “European Golf Resort of the Year” for 2017 by IAGTO, is already home to one of the world’s premier golf destinations with two multi-award-winning 18-hole courses, The Dunes Course and The Bay Course, designed by Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones II, respectively.
“We are extremely proud of the flourishing relationship that exists between the PGAs of Europe and Costa Navarino,” said PGAs of Europe Chief Executive, Ian Randell. “And hosting our Annual Congress and ITC for a second time is testament to this.
“Not only has our partnership been able to introduce PGA Professionals, amateur golfers and PGA representatives to the destination over a number of years, we have also formed strong friendships that make for a very prosperous partnership. We are looking forward to again showcasing this superb destination and its facilities to leaders of our National PGAs and the PGA Professionals that have qualified to represent their countries in the ITC.”
“We are excited to host once again the PGAs of Europe’s flagship event at Costa Navarino, during a significant moment for us. We recently announced the development of two new golf courses that will complement and adequately expand the golf offering at the destination” said Stephanos Theodorides, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of TEMES S.A. – Developers of Costa Navarino.
“We look forward to welcoming the delegates and introducing them to what is fast becoming a leading golf destination, aided by the ideal climate and rich nature of the Messinian region”.
The Annual Congress sees representatives from the Association’s 38 Member Country PGAs come together for workshops, meetings, discussions and more to share success stories, ideas, feedback, case studies and various ways to advance their organisations and the sport as a whole in their respective territories.
The ITC runs at the same time as the Congress with three-person teams from across the Association’s membership competing over 72 holes for the Championship title and a secondary Shield title for emerging Member PGA Countries.
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino acts as the base for both events, concluding with the Gala Awards Dinner supported by Rolex, bringing Congress delegates and ITC competitors together in celebration of the annual award winners and the ITC Champions.
Find Out More at eur.pe/2018AnnualCongress & eur.pe/2018ITC
The Annual Congress & ITC are partnered by Costa Navarino, the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and Aegean Airlines.
For updates, information and news visit the Annual Congress Hub Page (eur.pe/2018AnnualCongress), follow @PGAsofEurope on Twitter (bit.ly/Pojrwy) and search the hashtag ‘#AnnualCongress’ (eur.pe/VeVIGc) or like the PGAs of Europe Facebook Page (on.fb.me/RnDfEc).
For more information on the 2018 International Team Championship, visit the ITC Tournament Hub Page (eur.pe/2018ITC).
Image Caption: Costa Navarino will host the Annual Congress & International Team Championship for a second time
Notes to Editors:
An Association of 38 National PGAs (33 European and 5 international) with a collective membership in excess of 21,000 golf professionals, the PGAs of Europe is committed to the advancement of golf, golfers and the golf profession across Europe.
The Association is also a partner in Ryder Cup Europe as the sole member of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, and is widely acknowledged as a lead body in the delivery of golf development expertise on a global basis through its collaboration with The R&A in its "Working for Golf" programme.
About Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is the prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. One of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage. It will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury private residences, conference facilities, spa and thalassotherapy centres, signature golf courses, as well as a wide range of unique year-round activities for adults and children. Navarino Dunes, the first area, is home to two luxury 5-star hotels, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino; Navarino Residences, a collection of private properties; the signature golf course The Dunes Course, Anazoe Spa, a 4,000sq.m. spa & thalassotherapy centre; the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events; specially designed facilities for children; as well as a variety of gastronomy venues, sports, outdoor and cultural activities. Navarino Bay, the second area is home to the signature golf course, The Bay Course, Navarino Hills with two 18-hole golf courses under construction and two further sites underway.