Olazábal & Friends Charity Pro-Am at Costa Navarino

Olazábal & Friends Charity Pro-Am concludes GOLF YEAR TO REMEMBER AT COSTA NAVARINO

Professionals and amateurs from around the golfing world joined two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal at the inaugural Olazábal and Friends Charity Pro-Am at Costa Navarino, bringing to an end an exciting year which included the destination being named as the ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards.

Global golf icon Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the winner of 34 titles worldwide, was among the players who joined the three days of the premium golfing event at the Mediterranean’s prime sustainable destination.

Amateurs had the exclusive opportunity to join Olazábal and his professional friends in an up-close and intimate experience, playing at Costa Navarino’s two new courses at Navarino Hills, which were designed by him and opened last February.

Featuring 14 teams, the pro-am included a practice round and two separate 18-hole competitions on the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course – voted the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2022 World Golf Awards – and The Hills Course.

The impressive professionals’ line-up featured the winners of a combined total of 68 European Tour titles including Spain’s Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño, Santiago Luna and José Manuel Lara; 2021 Senior Open champion Stephen Dodd and Welsh compatriot Phillip Price, a member of Europe’s victorious 2002 Ryder Cup side.

Olazábal took the honours in a head-to-head team competition with Jiménez while Lara emerged top in the individual professional competition ahead of Portugal’s Ricardo Santos and Lorenzo Gagli from Italy.

Olazábal said: “Our goal was to raise money for children in need and at the same time offer our guests a great time. I am so happy we achieved that. We can‘t wait to return again in 2023.“

Jiménez added: “When José María calls, you know it is going to be something special. It truly was – a spectacular region, great golf courses, amazing guests, perfect organisation and all this for a good cause. My wife and I are already looking forward to coming back to Costa Navarino.“

Social events including two dinners, a prize-giving lunch and post-event party and a golf clinic with Jiménez were also part of the event, with all proceeds being donated to Sport Mundi (www.sportmundi.es), the Spanish non-profit organisation chaired by José María Olazábal, which supports children in need.

For more information about the Olazábal and Friends Charity ProAm, please visit

www.olazabalandfriends.com/ www.costanavarino.com

Excellent golf at four of the county’s finest clubs...

IPSWICH

Discover the delights of one of James Braids finest courses. 27 holes across two courses of heathland haven with the Purdis 18 hole course being a hidden gem in Suffolk, all at a club that provides a warm welcome to both members and visitors.

IPSWICH GOLF CLUB

PURDIS HEATH

Founded 1895

WOODBRIDGE

27 holes of glorious heathland golf, nestled on Bromswell Heath in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The perfect venue to experience a fantastic day of golf.

ALDEBURGH FELIXSTOWE FERRY

A links course offering 27 holes – the 18 hole Main Course and a 9 hole Rivers Course with Fast-draining, sandy soil ensuring it plays well throughout the year. 27 holes of seaside links golf awaits! Enjoy one of only 246 true links in the world on our 18 hole Martello course, or a quick 9 holes on our Kingsfleet course. Both offering stunning views all year round.

1880

Visit our website to find out more – www.suffolkcoastalgolf.com

In any 19th hole discussion attempting to determine the accolade of a supreme inland course in Ireland, it is perfectly understandable that there will be a case for the claims of Malone Golf Club. Not much argument is really required for, truth to tell, the gently rolling summertime tapestry of mature wood, restful lake and blaze of flowers sets it quite apart.

MALONE GOLF CLUB

Stunning parkland golf course located just 5 miles from Belfast city centre

• Considered by many to be the best ‘old style’ parkland course in

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Trophies in 2015 and many other championships over the years • Mature 330 acre estate, with a magnificent 180 year old main clubhouse building