Troon Golf, the world’s largest luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company, is delighted to announce the grand opening of the first signature golf course in Greece.
The Dunes Course in Navarino Dunes, the first integrated resort at Costa Navarino (www.costanavarino.com) stretching over 130 hectares of breathtaking beachfront landscape, has been designed by two-time Masters Champion and Ryder Cup winning captain Bernhard Langer in partnership with European Golf Design. The new resort has caught the headlines in recent months as many point to the significance of a course of this magnitude in Greece.
“I’m thrilled to have had this opportunity to design the golf course at Navarino Dunes and I believe we have built something really very special. I know that many people from Germany have already discovered this hidden but beautiful corner of mainland Greece and I’m sure that, with the opening of the Navarino Dunes Resort, many more from all over the world will be drawn to this area and our new golf course” said former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer.
Located in Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, The Dunes Course will open alongside The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort on May 20th, 2010. Soon to follow is the opening of the second five–star hotel at Navarino Dunes, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino.
The Dunes Course, the first of two championship courses at Costa Navarino, was completed some 12 months ago allowing it to fully mature ahead of play. The stunning views of the Ionian Sea are particularly enjoyable on the links-inspired holes, where tall sand dunes divide holes to an adjacent golden beach.
Moving further inland the course evolves to fit the Messinian surroundings of olive and citrus groves. The diversity of the course is evident throughout, with some holes even running alongside a river that meanders throughout the site. The Par 72 championship layout features wide fairways, pot-bunkers, rolling greens, and memorable aesthetics for an unforgettable experience for all standards of golfer.
The on–course amenities at Navarino Dunes include an extensive Clubhouse with stunning views offering dining and banquet facilities and a fully equipped shop offering the latest golf equipment and apparel from a range of international brands. Extensive practice facilities include a well–appointed full–size driving range, putting green and short–game practice area.
Ross McMurray of European Golf Design, who led the design team, commented: “The inspiration for The Dunes Course was its spectacular location. It is one of the most beautiful places you could be asked to design a golf course and frankly the waterfront views are just breathtaking. Our objective was to create a course which would not only compliment this wonderful setting but would set a benchmark in its own right for quality and high standards, in order to attract the attention of a golfing public who may not previously have considered coming to Greece.
“With so many dramatic golf holes, the strategic bunkering and large, undulating greens, I’m convinced that The Dunes Course will be exciting, fun and challenging in equal measure.”
Achilles Constantakopoulos, Managing Director of TEMES, the owning company added: “The Dunes Course is the first step to realizing our goal of developing a new golf destination in this undiscovered, authentic and historical area. Costa Navarino began from the vision of my father, Captain Vassilis to create a unique place in his homeland, where golfers from around the world will enjoy its unparalleled beauty and nature. We look forward to welcoming golfers from all over the world, starting with the 5th Aegean Airlines Pro-Am in June where 196 players from 14 countries will be participating.”
Troon Golf worked closely with TEMES during the course construction and pre-opening to ensure a truly world-class golf experience.
“There are few launches in golf that have caught the attention of the industry and golf media quite like this. The attention to detail and the magnitude of Costa Navarino in this stunning region of Greece is truly exceptional and we are delighted to be setting a new standard for golf in Greece”, commented Bruce Glasco, Managing Director, Troon Golf Europe, Middle East and Africa.
With future plans, including The Bay Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II on the historic bay of Navarino in the immediate vicinity of The Dunes Course and due to be completed in early 2011, Costa Navarino is set to establish itself as an iconic destination among discerning travelers and golfers alike.
TEMES S.A. is a premier developer of luxury mixed-use resorts in the Mediterranean region. Costa Navarino in Messinia is its flagship development. At the heart of the company’s business philosophy is its strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility with the aim of achieving sustainable tourism development in complete harmony with the natural environment and traditions of the destination. More information: www.costanavarino.com