With less than a year to go to the opening of Europe’s most eagerly-awaited 36-hole golf-design project – Navarino Hills at Costa Navarino in Greece – course preparations are gathering pace and are now 70 per cent complete. Both of the new 18-hole courses at Navarino Hills have been designed by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, who has inherited an incredible canvas on which to pen the new designs.
A unique location affords views to the sea, mountains and valleys, with the two courses measuring 6,366m and 6,280m in length respectively and featuring an average green size of 669m². Olazábal explained: “The first course is closer to the cliffs … the breeze is always going to be a factor and it’s going to be a little bit tougher.
“On the second course, you are more protected, and guests will experience increased tree-lined holes, with forest and mountains in the background. I think it’s going to be ideal for anybody who wants to come and play at Costa Navarino for a few days and enjoy a different feeling and a different view when they are playing.”
Even during the global pandemic, construction made fast progress at Navarino Hills. All infrastructure works, including electrical installations, rainwater drainage works and an additional irrigation lake of 15,000 m3, were completed last summer.
Full seeding has been finished on the first course, along with the maintenance building, cart paths and bunkers. Meanwhile, all the excavation work has been completed on the second course, with the next step to begin placing the topsoil on playing surfaces. In line with Costa Navarino’s commitment to sustainable development, a water reservoir with a capacity of 485,000m3 has been built to meet the irrigation needs of both courses, while 52,000 indigenous forest plants, shrubs and seasonal local flowers and herbs have been planted.
Nuno Sepulveda, general manager at Dunes Golf SA, said: “We are delighted with the progress of the project and eager to welcome golf enthusiasts early next year. With a total of four signature courses, we believe Costa Navarino will truly become Europe’s newest golfing destination. Offering variety in playing experiences set in a striking natural landscape, paired with an idyllic climate and a wide range of premium leisure, sports and hospitality facilities, Navarino Hills is sure to have a strong appeal to the international golfing community.”
In addition, a new clubhouse is under construction and scheduled to be finished by December. Designed by acclaimed architect Lubomír Zeman and built using local stone materials, it aims to achieve class A+ in energy efficiency and will feature photovoltaic panels. When completed next spring, the Navarino Hills golf facilities will also include a driving range with a capacity for 60 people and a 15,000m² short game area.
