Cloudless skies, idyllic Mediterranean temperatures and the historic bay of Navarino provided the perfect setting for more record-breaking action as the Legends Tour made a…
Cloudless skies, idyllic Mediterranean temperatures and the historic bay of Navarino provided the perfect setting for more record-breaking action as the Legends Tour made a successful return to Costa Navarino.
Former Major winners Paul Lawrie and Michael Campbell headlined an international line-up for the 54-hole tournament in Greece. Last year’s inaugural event featured a number of low-scoring performances and two course records and this year’s tournament followed a similar path, with 1999 Open champion Lawrie carding a superb record ten-under 62 on The Hills Course in the second round to take a one-stroke lead into the last day ahead of Peter Baker.
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Lawrie started well on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course with a birdie on the first hole, but Baker took over the lead on the fourth hole, cruising to an eventual six-shot victory from Germany’s Thomas Gögele and James Kingston from South Africa.
Baker said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It was a tough day and we had to adapt and I managed to do that early on. I played nicely and putted nicely. It was just one of those days when you try not to make any mistakes, and I didn’t drop a shot all week, which is a massive thing, really.
“I want to contend for the Order of Merit again. I want to try and play well throughout the year and win tournaments.
“It was fantastic to be back in Greece at Costa Navarino. I visited for the first time last year and everything is just as good as I remember. The courses are in great condition, the hotels and hospitality are first class, and the people are so friendly. It’s a great place to play golf.”
The details
This year’s tournament was played over two of the four courses at Costa Navarino, with the first and third rounds taking place on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course and the second on The Hills Course, with both layouts designed by José María Olazábal. Players and guests chose for their stay one of the destination’s five-star resorts: The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, W Costa Navarino, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, enjoying genuine hospitality and a rich offering of authentic local experiences.
Joakim Haeggman, one of seven former Ryder Cup players who were in the line-up of 60 players from 16 different countries, commented on the destination following another memorable week.
The Swede said: “The weather was superb, and the golf courses were once again in immaculate condition. A lot of players bring their families here and they do so for one good reason; this is probably the best place that we come to through all the summer.”
Defending champion Clark Dennis added: “I’d never been to Greece before last year. We spent a couple days in Athens, which was great, with the history and so much to see. Then we came to Costa Navarino and it’s incredible here. Great hotels and four absolutely sensational golf courses. The restaurants are great and there’s a real community feel when you’re out and about, walking around in the evenings. It’s an amazing place and I can’t recommend it highly enough for people to go and experience it.”
Located in Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is part of the European Tour Destinations network. It has raised its profile as a sustainably driven hospitality and residential destination in the Mediterranean and offers a world-class golf experience on its four 18-hole signature courses, alongside abundant year-round sports and leisure activities for guests and residents alike.