The Dunes course was the first 18-hole layout to appear at Costa Navarino in 2010, fashioned by Bernhard Langer in collaboration with Ross McMurray of European Golf Design. The following year, the Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed Bay course debuted at nearby Navarino Bay, around ten kilometres south of the main resort.
At the start of 2022, two new 18-hole courses were unveiled on top of the higher ground that lies immediately southeast of the Navarino Bay development, with all thirty-six holes laid out by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal and his team at Olazabal Design.
Stretching out across 375 acres of rugged terrain, the International Olympic Academy course and the Hills course offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the historic Bay of Navarino, scene of a decisive sea battle in 1827 which consolidated Greek independence.
“The setting at Navarino Hills is one of the most spectacular that I have seen,” said Olazábal. “The characteristics of the site are wonderful for golf and it surely ranks among the most beautiful properties we have ever had the chance to work on.
“The International Olympic Academy Golf Course is the longer and tougher of the two courses that I have designed. It’s more compact and, in style, different to the Hills course, which is set in the valley and has more room, especially off the tee.
“We are spoiled as golfers because there are so many great places to go, but Costa Navarino it is the whole experience that is exceptional – from the nature, the culture and the people with their amazing hospitality to the food, the beach and so many activities to choose from.”
The new clubhouse, designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built using local stone materials, serves both courses from a central position and there’s also a nearby driving range with a capacity for sixty players, along with a 15,000 square metre short game area.
