Where To Play: Costa Navarino

Costa Navarino has championship golf, luxury resorts, and breathtaking views.

The Legends Tour touches down back into continental Europe this month, following a brief stateside stop at the Senior PGA Championship. This time, the players are welcomed once again to the ultra-luxurious Costa Navarino in Greece — a destination that blends world-class golf with Mediterranean elegance.

The Bay Course

Set in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is a member of the European Tour Destinations network. Known for its commitment to sustainability, the resort has earned a reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after golf and lifestyle sanctuaries.

With four championship 18-hole courses — The Bay, The Dunes, The Hills, and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course — it delivers a golf experience that rivals the very best in Europe.

The Dunes Course

The 2025 Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy will be contested across two of the venue’s standout courses. Round one tees off on Thursday, 12 June on the International Olympic Academy Course, with round two moving to The Hills Course, before returning to the Academy Course for the final round.

Designed by two-time Masters Champion José María Olazábal, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course is set in the dramatic topography of Navarino Hills. The par-72, 6,366-metre layout offers panoramic views over the historic Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea. With its strategic challenges and unforgettable scenery, it promises a fitting stage for the Legends Tour.

W Hotel

Beyond the fairways, Costa Navarino offers a one-of-a-kind supreme luxury experience. With players and guests having the option to stay at one of four five-star resorts: The Romanos, W Costa Navarino, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, or The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. The destination also boasts over 40 dining venues, three spa centres, a wide array of cultural and outdoor activities, and an exceptional level of service throughout.

CNR Villa Rentals Olive Grove (Image supplied by Costa Navarino)

Costa Navarino Residences , Olive Grove

For those seeking privacy and indulgence, Costa Navarino’s exclusive villas offer accommodation for up to 12 guests, each complete with its own swimming pool — or even two!

Mandarin Oriental

With a world-class field assembling once again in Greece — including Legends Tour Order of Merit leader Scott Hend and Major Champions Michael Campbell and Paul Lawrie — this year’s edition of the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy promises to be an unforgettable event in one of Europe’s most stunning golf destinations.

International Olympic Academy Golf Course

Key Holes – International Olympic Academy Golf Course

11th Hole
Par 5 530 yards
This first of two back nine par 5’s, this is a slight dogleg to the right. With three bunkers down the left hand side positioned around the landing area of your tee shot, they all are in play if you don’t decide to cut the corner off the tee. If you get a good drive away you can reach the green in two to set yourself up with an eagle opportunity, thanks to the very deep green on offer. If you have a tendency to bail out on your approach, the right hand side has more space than you think.

12th Hole
Par 3 187 yards
A visually stunning par three that can range from anywhere between five different club choices, depending on the wind direction. Missing it left is not an option as you are heading down the cliff towards the Bay of Navarino. There can be some great pin positions as well on the left and back right of this tiered green. Make sure you commit to your tee shot!

18th Hole
Par 4 400 yards
A great risk-reward finishing hole. Only playing 400 yards it’s not too long, so it offers an option of a birdie opportunity if you need one late in your round, but you need to be aggressive. If you do like to play a bit more conservatively off the tee there are three fairway bunkers to look out for, two on the left and one on the right but a big drive can leave you with just a wedge or sand wedge into this generous green.

For more info, visit legendstour.com

Main image: Costa Navarino

This article was featured in the June 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine