If you're heading to Costa Navarino and want the proper test in the four-course line-up, the International Olympic Academy Course is the one I'd point you towards. José María Olazábal has made brilliant use of the Messinian landscape here, so you get the big resort views, but you also get holes that keep you honest from the first tee. This is a layout that rewards thinking your way round, and if you're the type who values accuracy and course management over pure length, you'll enjoy what Olazábal has built.
It stretches to 6,986 yards from the back tees (par 72), but don't get too hung up on the number. What matters here is positioning. Miss the fairway on the wrong side and you're dealing with sharp run-offs, awkward stances and hazards that make bogey feel like a decent result. If there's any breeze around, you'll want to take an extra moment on club selection and aim for the fattest part of the green rather than chasing every flag. The greens reward those who've found the right angle from the fairway, and once you're in trouble off the tee, getting back into position for par becomes a real challenge.
After your round, make time to linger at the Hills Clubhouse. Architect Lubomir Zeman has created a space that's worth experiencing in its own right, a design that complements the quality of golf you've just played. Settle in with a cold drink, grab something to eat and give yourself time to take it all in. Watch the light fade over the Messinian coast and you'll understand why this place has the reputation it does. It's the kind of setting that turns a good round into a memorable one, and a tough day on the course into an evening you'll still talk about.
Who is this for?
Golfers on a Costa Navarino break who want a championship-feel round with standout views, a top-class clubhouse and a course that rewards thinking your way round.
Who is it best for?
Confident mid-to-low handicappers and tidy drivers. If your group sprays it off the tee, you might enjoy it more from a forward tee, then save the tips for the hero round.
Want to include the International Olympic Academy Course on your next Costa Navarino golf holiday? We can sort tee times, accommodation and the right mix of courses for your group.
