2nd Messinia Pro-Am: Golf Stars Get Ready to Tee Off at Costa Navarino

Former basketball legend Joe Arlauckas. Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

In less than a month, the second international golf tournament Messinia Pro-Am will kick off in Messinia, Greece.

Taking place during February 21-24 and organized by Costa Navarino, the 2nd Messinia Pro-Am competition will see the participation of amateur and professional golf players from 21 countries and four different continents. According to Costa Navarino, more than half of the participants are European tour players.

Besides the participation of top professional golfers in the event, three names will draw the attention during the tournament: Scottish golfer Gordon Brand Jr, former basketball legend Joe Arlauckas and one of Scotland’s former rugby players and golf enthusiast Thom Evans.

Scottish golfer Gordon Brand Jr. Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

Gordon Brand Jr belongs to the golfing elite with many tournament entries, counting 8 wins at the European Tour, 2 wins at the European Senior Tour and 2 wins at the Ryder Cup. Former basketball star Joe Arlauckas enjoys golf as an amateur player and counts many titles in his basketball career, a highlight being the European Championship in 1995 with Real Madrid.

The teams at the 2nd Messinia Pro-Am will be competing for the second biggest prize fund given in golf tournaments in Europe. The total amount to be distributed is 50,000 euros. The tournament will also award the top 5 best-performing teams, the 3 best professional golfers, while a hole-in-one award will also be given this year.

Costa Navarino promotes golf tourism

Golfers will have the opportunity to play at the two multi-awarded signature golf courses of Costa Navarino. Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

“Many golfers are regular repeaters at Costa Navarino, sharing their positive feedback about the top conditions of the courses, the excellent service provided by our associates, as well as for the stunning views and surrounding nature,” Costa Navarino’s Golf & Sports Business Development Director, Nuno Sepulveda, told GTP Headlines.

Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

The destination’s multi-awarded signature golf courses The Dunes Course and The Bay Course will offer an unparalleled golf experience with views of the seaside Messinian landscape

“It’s definitely the unique combination that Costa Navarino provides, which makes it stand out from other destinations: two luxury hotels, outstanding resort facilities, and an endless choice of other sports, wellness and recreational activities,” Sepulveda added.

When asked what he labels as “the perfect golf vacation”, Sepulveda underlines that golfers are looking for a variety of golf courses with varied levels of difficulty, a diverse culinary offering and an authentic atmosphere.

“What they can’t refuse is certainly a high quality gastronomical experience, with a range of venues. This is very evident in the visitors at Costa Navarino; our guests are not only interested in golf; they want to experience much more. They want to become acquainted with the local culture, gastronomy and history,” Sepulveda told GTP Headlines.

Messinia Pro-Am supports “SOS Children’s Villages” Charity Association

Golfers will tee off for a great cause during the 2nd Messinia Pro-Am as the event will support the SOS Children’s Villages Greece Charity Association through two actions:

Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

– On the second day of the Messinia Pro-Am, the charity bowling game “A good cause to STRIKE” will offer players of the tournament the opportunity to play twice. For the total number of pins knocked down, an equal amount of money will be donated to the “SOS Children’s Villages” by Captain Vassilis & Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation.

– Throughout the tournament, online donations can be made through the website of the Messinia Pro-Am.

Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

Messinia Pro-Am event program

The presenters of the Gala: Manos Gavras and Elena Charbila. Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

This year’s event programme has numerous surprises for the golfers, including three thematic social events with live music. The “All That Jazz” Welcome Cocktail Reception, the “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Charity Night as well as the “Shiny” Gala Dinner and Prize Giving Ceremony presented by two actors of Greek origin enjoying an international career, Manos Gavras and Elena Charbila.

Moreover, for the first time this year, golfers will be able to get real-time updates on team and individual scores, even on their golf buggies, with the Messinia Pro-Am new live score service.

Photo @ Messinia Pro-Am

The official airline partner of the tournament is Star Alliance member Aegean Airlines. Kyvernitis Travel is the event’s official travel partner that will ensure a smooth registration and accommodation process.

The official sponsors of the event are Vodafone, Athens International Airport and MyTransfer. The Messinia Pro-Am tournament will be supported for the first time by the innovative services of the sports science partner Fysiotek. Official supporters of the tournament include J.VOURAKIS SONS EE, Poseidonia, Luc Belaire, Stoli, Paulaner, METAXA, Kir-Yianni, Marendry, Nescafé Alegria, Kalamata Papadimitriou and Siampis. The 2nd Messinia Pro-Am is assisted by ECOLAB, Kayak, Stefanouris, Messiniaki Paradosi, Dimiourgies, Fever-Tree and Avanti.

Special accommodation packages are available at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino: messiniaproam.costanavarino.com.

Messinia Pro-Am is organized in cooperation with the PGAs of Europe, under the auspices of PGA of Greece, the Hellenic Golf Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Academy.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a communication sponsor for the 2nd Messinia Pro Am.