The tournament is being financially supported, promoted and staged by the European Tour Group and is set to provide an incredible setting for the first Legends Tour event of the 2024 season to be played in continental Europe.
Costa Navarino, located in Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese, is part of the European Tour Destinations network. It has raised its profile as a sustainably driven destination in the Mediterranean and offers a world-class golf experience on its four 18-hole signature golf courses.
The Legends Tour event will be played over two of the destination’s courses – The Bay Course for round one on Friday June 7 and then the International Olympic Academy Golf Course for rounds two and three on Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9.
Ben Cowen, the European Tour Group’s Chief Tournament and Operations Officer, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this new tournament in Greece at two of our European Tour Destination courses, providing further playing and earning opportunities for our Legends Tour members.
“The European Tour Group continues to work closely with Ryan Howsam and the Legends Tour team as part of our joint venture, providing record prize funds in 2024. Following the successful launch of the new season in Barbados last week, we wish our members well in the US Senior PGA Championship later this month, before this event in Greece which will showcase the stunning Costa Navarino destination to a global audience.”
Phil Harrison, Legends Tour CEO, said: “Costa Navarino is an incredible destination and one which we are proud to add onto our schedule with the help of the European Tour Group. The golf courses will provide a great test for our players whilst offering some incredible views as well.
“Many of our members are well aware of all that Costa Navarino has to offer, while for those that haven’t seen it before they can expect something very special, both on the golf courses and away from them too.”
“Taking the Legends Tour to Greece further extends our spread across Europe and beyond as a Tour with a global reach. We could not be more excited about this addition to the calendar and our thanks go to the European Tour Group for their financial and staging support which has made this tournament possible.”
David Ashington, General Manager at Costa Navarino Golf, said: “It is a great thrill and honour for Costa Navarino to have the opportunity to become the first venue in Greece to host a major professional golf tournament in 23 years.
“With four signature golf courses combined with four five-star hotels and an extensive array of additional sports and lifestyle facilities as well as authentic, year-round experiences, we can’t wait to showcase everything that we have to offer to the players, their families and tournament guests and a wider global audience.”
Guests can choose among the destination’s five-star resorts for their stay: The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, W Costa Navarino, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.
The Field
Already entered into the event are three Major Champions as well as eight of the top ten from last season’s Legends Tour Order of Merit. Names will be revealed via the Legends Tour social media accounts shortly to confirm who will be teeing it up in Greece. The Legends Tour can be found on social media @euLegendsTour and for more information on the Tour and this event, go to legendstour.com
The Bay Course
This 18-hole par 71 seaside course measures 5,614m in length and is designed by legendary golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. It meanders through three natural landscapes – Seaside, Canyon and Grove – providing striking contrasts, and playing alongside the historic bay of Navarino, for a truly memorable golfing experience.
International Olympic Academy Golf Course
Situated at Navarino Hills and offering panoramic views of the historic bay of Navarino, the Ionian Sea and the surrounding countryside, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course measures 6,366m in length. The 18-hole hills course, par 72 has been designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal, to challenge the best golfers in a lush environment with dramatic views and memorable sunsets.
The Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy takes place from June 7-9, 2024.