There are many outstanding golfing destinations in Europe, and then there is Costa Navarino, in Greece. In so many ways, it stands alone at the pinnacle of golfing quality, sustainability and natural beauty.
We were graciously invited to view the inaugural Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy, meet the players, and participate in the curtain-raising Pro-Am. This event will be held on a three-year deal with the Legends Tour, with eligibility for tour professionals over the age of fifty. Don’t for a minute think that these players’ skills have diminished with the passing of time.
The story behind the creation of Costa Navarino is fascinating. One determined man, Captain Vassilis C. Constantakopoulos, was single handedly responsible for its creation.
A native of Messinia, who started his working life as a Sea Captain, Vassilis honoured his lifelong dream to develop a world class destination in his homeland. So successful was he in the world of shipping that he became known as the “Container King”.
Captain Vassilis also acquired a love for the game of golf, and before his passing in 2011 he was able to witness the opening of the Dunes Course. Costa Navarino was born. The Captain’s mantra was “Taking fills your hands, but giving fills your heart”. His family have continued to honour this remarkable man.
The Legends Tour were spoilt for choice at Costa Navarino, given that there are four signature courses to choose from. The fifty four hole event was played with one round at The Bay and the two subsequent rounds at the International Olympic Academy Course. The Hills and Dunes Courses, both exceptional in their own right, could equally have played host.
The Pro-am is a hugely enjoyable event. It allows the amateurs to see close-up the skill levels of Major winners, past Ryder Cup players and European Tour winners. We arrived at an empty practice ground, only to be joined by Paul Lawrie and Michael Campbell – an Open Champion and a US Open champion. A genuine pinch-yourself moment.
Our Professional for the day was Michael Jonzon, a fifty two year old past two time DP World Tour winner. Playing at The Bay, Michael hit the ball with genuine authority and power.
Costa Navarino Bay Course
Amateurs rave about distance, but we may well have played with the biggest-hitting grandfather in world golf. Michael is a big man, with the club resembling a toothpick in his hands, and he predicted a par of sixty seven for himself. All credit to him on the first round for shooting a drama-free sixty six.
Aside of putting on a three-hundred-yard stripe show, Michael proved to be a very genial and engaging playing partner, patiently responding to our questions regarding life as a touring professional. He remarked that he always felt pressure on the DP World Tour – pressure to gain ranking points, to make cuts and to make ends meet. He felt that having reached the age of fifty, he no longer had anything to prove, whilst still enjoying the competition.
Michael’s abiding tip of the day was to learn to hit one shot really, really well. Be that a fade or a draw, stick with that shape and execute it consistently. Wise words from the mighty Swede.
The other highlight of Pro am day was being introduced to Bill Murray. Might this man be the most famous amateur golfer in the world? Moot point, but he loves Costa Navarino. He is synonymous with golf, immortalised by playing the part of Carl Spackler, the dysfunctional greenskeeper in Caddyshack. He plays a very laid back game, and partnered Paul Lawrie.
Bill Murray at Costa Navarino
Following the golf, we were invited to a cocktail party, which many of the players attended. We enjoyed chatting with Roger Chapman, who famously won the USPGA Seniors and US Open Seniors in quick succession on the US Champions Tour. What a swansong this proved to be for Roger. Equally interesting is the fact that Roger is potentially closing in on one thousand tournaments as a professional. That is a remarkable statistic, worthy of a book.
As for our team performance, we played like journalists, rather than golfers, propping up the back end of the field. But such was the company and natural beauty of The Bay, it hardly mattered.
Costa Navarino Bay Course
But on to the serious golf. Round one was competed over The Bay Course, which we have to admit is our favourite. A Robert Trent Jones Jnr creation, it’s a seriously fun, scenic layout. Imaginative and challenging, the yardage is friendly at 6300 yards. It winds between olive groves and the Bay of Navarino, site of Greece’s historic battle for Independence in 1827. The pros were licking their chops. Scott Hend and Robert Coles both shot 60! In truth, I felt as if someone had kicked my dog. Don’t ever think these over-fifties can’t play.
The International Academy Course provided the examination for rounds two and three. A stiffer test, designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, the course runs to just over 7000 yards. Set high in the hills, it offers dramatic sea views. Scores were more of this earth, although a string of 66’s were recorded by Clark Dennis, Joakim Haeggman and Jyoti Randhawa.
Costa Navarino International Olympic Academy Course
Remarkably, Scott Hend followed up his course record 60 on day one with a costly round of 76, losing four balls in the process. Sixteen shots worse? That’s golf, folks, but he wasn’t quite finished. A final round of 66 allowed him to post a total of 13 under, one better than Adilson DaSilva who posted a best of the week 65 on the Olympic Course. A new course record.
But the laurels went to Clark Dennis, the veteran American, following three rounds of 66 and victory by four strokes. Remarkably he recorded only one bogey in fifty four holes of golf. Starting one back entering the final round, he hit the after burners on the back nine with five birdies. An added bonus for Dennis was having his son on the bag, together with his wife cheering him on.
Other notable top ten finishers included Adilson DaSilva, James Kingston, Thomas Levet and Peter Baker.
Clark Dennis, in his victory interview, described Costa Navarino as “The best venue the Legends Tour has played since I have played on tour.” High praise indeed.
We have to admit to a genuinely sentimental attachment to Costa Navarino, having visited many times as a family since its opening. For the golfer it’s a wonderland of beautifully manicured courses, dramatic vistas, sea air and great design. It’s a place to savour and enjoy. On top, the practice facilities are top notch. Shiny pyramids of shiny golf balls abound.
Costa Navarino Hills Course
For the non golfer the choice is endless – a day at the beach club, a selection of pools, gyms, art, tennis, cycling, shopping, ancient ruins, football camps, beach yoga, you name it, Costa Navarino has it covered. And come the time for food, you have a choice of forty dining venues. And that’s not a misprint.
Visitors have the choice of four five-star hotels in the form of The Mandarin Oriental, The W, The Romanos and the Westin. In addition, for the truly enamoured, there are a plethora of luxury residences available to buy, from beachfront villas to apartments.
The management has established a first-class culture of great service, which is consistent and enduring. Whilst clients rightfully expect this of a five-star destination, the immaculately-trained staff at Costa Navarino always go out of their way to deliver an attentive yet unobtrusive service.
The Legends Tour enjoyed a great week at Costa Navarino, and justly so. The professionals put on a tremendous show, and will return to do battle next year. Clark Dennis made his way back to Athens to visit the Acropolis with pockets full. Scott Hend must be left wondering where his four lost balls are hiding on The Olympic Academy Course. Tomorrow’s another day.
Treat yourself to a stay at Costa Navarino – it’s a genuine treat that lives long in the memory. Costa Navarino never disappoints.