The Golf Courses
The Dunes Course
The 18-hole Dunes Course was designed by former US Masters Champion and Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer, in association with European Golf Design.
Set in diverse topography with spectacular sea and river views, tall dunes divide some of the holes adjacent to the golden beach. Inspired by the character of the natural landscape, much of the contouring mirrors the rugged outlines of the distant mountains.
Close to the sea, there is a links-like feel, adding to its unique style and playability; further inland it reflects a more typical Greek landscape of olive and citrus groves. Several holes run along a small river that meanders through the site and there are large undulating greens, wide fairways and steep-faced pot bunkers.
The course is designed to provide an exciting challenge for all golfers, measuring from a little more than 5,000 metres from the front tees to almost 6,018 metres from the back tees with a par of 71.
The Bay Course
The second signature course to open at Costa Navarino, The Bay Course plays to a par of 70 and is a little shorter than The Dunes Course at 5,422 metres from the back tees. Situated a few minutes’ drive away and offering an alternative set of challenges, the layout was designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr. and places a slightly greater emphasis on strategic play and positional golf.
The idyllic setting runs through foothills and right alongside the historic Bay of Navarino. Most tees offer breathtaking sea views and the course twists and turns through three (Seaside, Canyon and Grove) distinct natural landscapes, providing striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable round.
The earth-sheltered clubhouse at The Bay Course, opened in 2019, showcases a unique design and blending harmoniously into the natural landscape. Covering more than 2,000sq.m. the clubhouse has a premium location, benefitting from spectacular views over the Bay of Navarino and the stunning Bay Course which meanders through the undulating and diverse landscape of the lush Messinia region.
International Olympic Academy Golf Course
Designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend Jose Maria Olazabal, launched in partnership with the International Olympic Academy and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, International Olympic Academy Golf Course plays around the western part of the Navarino Hills area and benefits from having over half its holes along the ridge of the hill overlooking the Bay of Navarino.
The front and back nine are distinctly different in layout. The front nine circles the southern portion on softly undulated terrain and leads through old olive groves in typical Greek landscape, while the back nine plays along the edge of the cliff and provides spectacular sea views. The par-72 layout measures 6,351 metres and provides a good challenge for top players and regular golfers.
Precision over length is rewarded on several holes and long-hitters, if too aggressive off the tee, will find themselves under pressure a few times. The golf course plays very fair for mid to high handicappers, with multiple forward teeing options, roomy bail-out areas to play safely around hazards, and bunkers that, despite their formidable appearance and strategic placement, are not too deep.