Messinia – Previous champions along with some of European golf’s most decorated players enjoyed another memorable week of action at the 2026 Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy, that took place from June 8-13.
Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie and 1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam headlined a star-studded international line-up for the third edition of the 54-hole tournament, which saw England’s Simon Griffiths prevail after a dramatic last day in Greece at the destination that 2024 winner Clark Dennis described as “the best that we play on Tour”.
Taking place under cloudless skies across two of Costa Navarino’s four 18-hole signature courses – The Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course – and with the historic bay of Navarino providing an idyllic backdrop, no fewer than eight players were tied at the top of the leaderboard going into the final round.
Scotland’s David Drysdale made the early running on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course, birdieing three of his opening five holes to move into the outright lead, while defending champion Peter Baker also surged into contention during the opening stages.
But the momentum shifted when Drysdale made a costly three-putt bogey at the 12th hole after missing the green long, opening the door for the chasing pack. The decisive moment came on the 13th and 14th holes, where Griffiths converted consecutive birdie opportunities while his nearest challengers failed to do the same.
Griffiths eventually finished on a winning score of 12-under-par, three strokes clear of Drysdale, with Baker, Dennis, Scotland’s Doug McGuigan and Ryder Cup star Joakim Haeggman sharing third place one shot further back.
Griffiths, whose victory was his first this year and his third in total since joining the Staysure Legends Tour, said: “I’m shocked to be honest. When I won the other two, I felt like I was playing well and I felt like I should have been out there, but I hadn’t played well for such a long time. You’re just not sure if it’s ever going to come back again. So yeah, I’m over the moon happy but a little bit shocked.
In addition to once again having the chance to experience the two José María Olazábal-designed courses at Navarino Hills, players and guests had the opportunity to stay at the vibrant W Costa Navarino – one of Costa Navarino’s four five-star resorts – while enjoying genuine hospitality and a rich offering of authentic local experiences.
Baker, Dennis and Woosnam, who was making his tournament debut, were among the players to comment warmly about the destination following an unforgettable week in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese.
Defending champion Baker said: “It was great to come back to such a stunning place and to play the courses which I know very well. It’s one of the most special places in Europe.”
Dennis said: “Costa Navarino is a unique place. You’ve got four great golf courses here, the hotels are fantastic and if you look out here at the view it’s just amazing. I think it’s our best venue.”
Woosnam added: “This is my first visit to Costa Navarino and I was delighted to be here. The two courses that we played are both beautiful and when you look at everything here, it’s just wonderful.”
Located in Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is part of the European Tour Destinations network. Named as the ‘World’s Best Golf Venue’ at the last two editions of the World Golf Awards, the destination combines award‑winning hospitality with a strong commitment to sustainability, culture and authentic experiences, and offers a world-class experience on its four signature golf courses – The Dunes Course, The Bay Course, The Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.
The 2026 Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy offered guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy an exclusive ‘up close and personal’ playing experience alongside the players, with a Q & A session with Peter Baker and Ian Woosnam and inside-the-ropes spectator viewing access to the 54-hole tournament among the many benefits included.
David Ashington, general manager at Costa Navarino Golf, said: “It’s been another incredible week, with the event again demonstrating why Costa Navarino is regarded as one of the world’s elite golf destinations. It was a pleasure for us to welcome such an exceptional line-up of players and to see another thrilling tournament unfold across our Navarino Hills courses, and the feedback we have received from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive. Events of this calibre allow us to showcase not only our world-class golf facilities but also the sustainable ethos of the destination, alongside the unique beauty and culture of the wider Messinia region. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum and welcoming golfers back to Costa Navarino from all around the world in the years ahead.”
For more details, go to Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy 2026.
About Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino is a sustainably driven destination in the Mediterranean, located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese of Greece. Graced with a breath-taking seaside landscape, this is a region shaped by 4,500 years of history. The Costa Navarino philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to preserve the natural beauty and heritage of Messinia. The destination comprises several distinct sites featuring five-star hotels, luxury private residences, a world-class golf experience, and many year-round activities. Navarino Dunes is home to The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Costa Navarino Residences. Navarino Bay is the setting for Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino and Navarino Agora, a curated marketplace. Both sites have signature golf courses, while at Navarino Hills there are two further signature golf courses.
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