Navarino: Beauty by The Bay

Troon Golf's latest gem in Greece

Posted: 14 October 2011
by Bob Warters

Holes on the Bay course tumbled down to the shore

Stunning views over The Bay of Navarino from tees on the new course

I've only been to Greece once but I may well make a return visit, having been captivated by Joanna Lumley and her Greek Odyssey travel programme that I watched on TV last night.

Another good reason looks to be the opening of the Bay Course in the Greek region of Messinia, in south west Peloponnese (Ms Lumley visited the region but sadly didn't mention the course). The course looks spectacular.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, it promises to be a significant attraction at Costa Navarino under Troon Golf management and alongside the Bernhard Langer Dunes course opened last year.

Says Troon's managing director Bruce Glasco: "Costa Navarino has become one of the finest golf properties in the world and opening the Bay Course is a major milestone in realising the vision for the region.

"Costa Navarino will play an important role in golf development in Greece."

The historic bay overlooks the town of Pylos, and has been created to make the most of the panoramic sea and mountain views with several holes close to the shore and flirting with canyons and olive groves. There are also extensive practice facilities - and ideal facility for visiting groups and tournaments

Says Trent Jones Jr: "The Bay Course is sculpted out of the earth and rock of Greek soil, like ancient marble statues. This golf experience will last the test of time."

Previous article
Name your celebrity golf partners

Next article
Sub70 trousers warm up winter

greece, troon golf, navarino, Robert Trent jones

Discuss this story

Taz

Have been there already Bob - but haven't played the courses yet.
Had a chat with one of the pro's at The Dunes and was shown round the clubhouse and the attached Navarino Dunes hotel resort.

Truly spectacular, with The Bay course and complex scheduled for completion next year in neighbouring Gialova, but just two courses hardly make this area a viable golfing venue.

Another snag as I see it for Brits is the difficulty of travelling to this area of Greece - the nearest airport is a couple of hours away in Kalamata and the resorts in this wonderful part of Greece are extremely low key and typical, with very few Brits visiting - mainly Greek and Italian holidaymakers.

I asked the pro who the target market was and it seems to be Northern European or Russian, along with Italian and Germans who get the car ferry from Italy.

Whether it becomes a competitor for the Costa's or emerging Turkish resorts like Belek depends a lot on whether the Greeks can improve the transport infrastructure to this area, or indeed can afford to.

Which for me will destroy the very reason why I frequent this part of Greece and why I have done for the last eight years, not for the golf but because it is completely unspoiled - so far.