Two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José María Olazábal, introduced the two new 18-hole courses he has designed at Costa Navarino, Greece’s premier golf destination.
The two new 18-hole courses are set high above the coastline offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea and are expected to open for play by 2021.
The courses at Navarino Hills will further enhance the golf offering at the destination, bringing the total number of signature golf courses at Costa Navarino to four, all within a 13km distance. The two new courses will both play to Par 72 and measure 6,466m and 6,280m respectively. The longer course has been designed as the more challenging of the two and will be capable to host international competitions. The shorter course will provide a slightly more leisurely experience but will impress with its routing through the beautiful valleys and rolling hills. The courses stretch over 125 hectares (1,250,000sq.m.), overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and the surrounding hills.
During a visit at the site where development is currently underway, José María Olazábal said about the project: “To have the opportunity to design two new courses on the spectacular Navarino Hills property fills me with pride. The landscape is simply breath-taking and we see it as our foremost responsibility to create courses that will fit seamlessly into the environment. We still have some way to go before Opening but I look forward to that day with great excitement”.
Stephanos Theodorides, Managing Director of Panorama, owners and developers of the Navarino Hills site, welcomed Olazábal back at Costa Navarino: “Today marks a milestone in the development of Navarino Hills. We are excited to introduce the new golf development that will firmly position Costa Navarino among the top sustainable golf destinations globally and introduce the region of Messinia to golf enthusiasts from around the world. We have a common vision with José María Olazábal, having placed sustainable practices at the heart of the project and we look forward to the next steps of what is shaping to be a unique project, reflecting the high standards and quality of Costa Navarino”.
The milestone moment at Navarino Hills came shortly after the recent announcement by TEMES – the developers of Costa Navarino, about the new partnership with Consillium S.A., in line with its strategy to further develop the golf component of the destination. The agreement refers to a 50/50 joint venture between one of TEMES Group’s subsidiaries Panorama S.A., and one of investment companies managed by Consillium, for the ownership and development of the Navarino Hills site and the ownership and operation of The Dunes Course.
The destination already features two luxury hotels, private residences and two signature golf courses, along with five-star services and facilities and a range of authentic experiences, around the year.
To view the video of Navarino Hills, please click here
To download photos and infographic about the site, please click here
For more information visit www.costanavarino.com
ENDS
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 is currently under construction and there are two further sites underway.
ABOUT OLAZÁBAL DESIGN
José María Olazábal ranks among the greatest European golfers of all time with two Masters victories (1994, 1999), 33 titles around the world and legendary performances in the Ryder Cup both as a player and a captain. The European Ryder Cup victory in 2012 under his captaincy, labelled the “Miracle at Medinah”, is rated as one of the most spectacular comeback victories ever in sports.
With his golf-course design studio, Olazabal Design, José María has created several high-profile tournament courses, such as Royal Sevilla Golf Club in Spain and the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills in China, both hosts to World Cups of Golf and World Golf Championships. His boutique studio, which he has been growing together with partners Matthias Nemes and Sergio Gomez, as well as with support of golf architect, Toni Ortner, has additionally designed extraordinary works like the ultra-exclusive Velaa Golf Academy in the Maldives and the just-completed Education City Golf Club in Qatar. Navarino Hills is his first design work in Greece and his 20th overall.