Europe's newest golf destination was unveiled with the opening of the new 36-hole golf development. This is the first golf course of the International Olympic Academy and Hills Course, as well as the new Hills Clubhouse, Costa Navarino thus kicked off the 2022 golf season. The Dunes Course and The Bay Course mean that players of all skill levels can now enjoy four exclusive golf courses, within a maximum distance of 13 km.
Designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal and situated on 125 hectares overlooking the historic Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea, the new layouts are situated in a unique location overlooking the sea, mountains and valleys. The International Olympic Academy's Golf Course measuring 6,366m received immense acclaim when it was first played in November at the fifth Messinia Pro-Am. The Hills Course is slightly shorter, at 6,280m, but the combination of both courses has an average green size of 669m², a driving range of 60 bays and a short playing area of 15,000m².
José María Olazábal stated, "Costa Navarino is among the most beautiful places I've ever been. Over the past five years, we've worked hard to shape two courses that not only respect the stunning surroundings, but also fit as naturally as possible into the terrain. Two courses are of distinct character. Golfers will find that the International Olympic Academy Golf Course is more polished in style and full of spectacular views over Navarino Bay, while the Hills Course offers a more rural feel where we take you for a stroll. through the gently rolling hills. With the two new courses and the two existing ones, Costa Navarino has become a spectacular golf destination, and I invite everyone to come and experience it for themselves".
Costa Navarino values sustainable development, honoring this commitment, a water reservoir with a capacity of 485,000 m3 was built to meet the irrigation needs of both fields. To keep water consumption to a minimum, all fairways, greens, tees and rough areas were sown with a combination of hardy grasses suited to the local climate, while 52,000 native forest plants, shrubs, flowers and local seasonal herbs were also planted.
The Hills Clubhouse designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built alongside the fields, using local stone materials, the clubhouse was created with the aim of achieving class A+ in energy efficiency.
With a multitude of leisure, sports and wellness activities, in addition to gastronomy and authentic local experiences, Costa Navarino is now more than ever an authentic inclusive destination, developed with respect for the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
