ROBERT TRENT JONES, JR. SIGNED AS DESIGNER OF THE BAY COURSE AT NAVARINO
Geneva, Switz. – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce that the Bay Course at Navarino will be designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The legendary golf course designer made his first working visit to the site this week to meet with Captain Vassillis C. Constantakopoulos, Founder and Chairman of Temes, the developer of luxury mixed-use resorts at Navarino in Greece. Captain Constantakopoulos signed the world renowned golf course designer to lead Greece in its quest to become a premier European golfing destination.
The Bay course at Navarino, to be managed by Troon Golf, promises to be a challenging, yet fair test to golfers of all levels. Located along the idyllic western coast of the Peloponnese, in the peninsula of Messinia, the course will meander through natural rolling hills and lush olive groves. Its beachfront position offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the historic Navarino Bay from the majority of the holes.
After playing golf with Captain Vassillis C. Constantakopoulos in California Robert Trent Jones, Jr., accepted the Captains invitation to visit his birthplace in Messinia and the land he loves near Pylos. A decade later Robert Trent Jones, Jr., now returns to the area. In recognition of the significance of the local area, the two met and signed an official agreement at Ancient Messini, before travelling to the spectacular site.
“Just as marble sculptures of the classical period emerged from ancient Greece, we hope to sculpt a golf landscape worthy of the test of time on a site I believe to be the best in Europe,” commented Robert Trent Jones, Jr. “This land is particularly gifted for that purpose, where the famous winds of the Greek isles will play across it, cooling the landscape. The course will provide unpredictable tests for all golfers while challenging championship play with flagsticks tucked behind hazards to defend them. We will keep the timeless traditions of ancient Greece and the Olympics in mind as we craft the Bay Course at Navarino for everyone to enjoy.”
“It is a privilege to welcome one of the most revered course designers to my birthplace,” said Captain Constantakopoulos. “We are all extremely excited to see the project unfold as Robert Trent Jones, Jr., masterfully creates a visually stunning golf course that uniquely embraces this distinctive landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and history.”
Robert Trent Jones II (“RTJ II”) is considered the world’s pre-eminent golf course architecture firm. Having designed more than 240 courses in 40 countries on six continents RTJ II delivers state-of-the-art, sustainable golf course projects for exceptional clients worldwide. Considered the global leader and innovator in all aspects of golf course design, from master planning through design implementation, RTJ II has designed courses which received numerous awards and accolades, with courses having played host to tour events on every major tour as well as hosting special events such as the World Cup of Golf and The Grand Slam.
The first phase in the developing destination of Navarino will include two individual sites, spreading over a total of 270 hectares. This initial phase will incorporate four five-star hotels, managed by international premier partners, several state-of-the-art spas, luxurious villas, two signature golf courses and other numerous amenities. The Dunes course, designed by former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer, in association with EGD, is also under construction and will be managed by Troon Golf. The Bay course and The Dunes course are both scheduled to open during 2009, and together with the favourable climate conditions, will establish Navarino as new high-end year-round golf destination.
Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Navarino is committed to preserving the authenticity of the area, for guests to enjoy what has been part of the landscape for hundreds of years. Therefore only eight percent of the total land area will be developed, while, more than 4,500 olive and orange trees will be replanted.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Troon Golf EMA is committed to developing Troon Golf’s presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa. This rapidly expanding division now oversees operations at 29 courses in nine countries including Dubai, Portugal, Spain and England with further expansion planned across all regions.
With global headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 190 courses located in 32 states and 29 countries. Additionally, 35 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy; The Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire, Scotland; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif; The Montgomerie, Dubai, U.A.E; Brookwater Golf Club, Queensland, Australia; Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve, Portugal; Palmilla Golf Club, Los Cabos, Mexico; and The Grove, London, England.