LANGER TO VISIT HIS FIRST GREEK DEVELOPMENT – NAVARINO DUNES

Geneva, Switz – Troon Golf ,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, is pleased to announce Bernhard Langer’s visit to Navarino Dunes, the first high-end mixed-use resort in Costa Navarino in the Greek region of Messinia. The impressive Navarino Dunes course, designed by European Golf Design in association with Bernhard Langer, has caught the attention of the golf industry. Former U.S. Masters Champion and former Ryder Cup captain, Langer has taken time out of his busy tour schedule to visit what is set to become one of Europe’s top new courses.

The integration of the golf course with its natural environment and the character of the region has been at the heart of the Navarino Dunes development. The seaside course offers a variety of distinct landscapes, with an undulating topography that boasts some spectacular sea views. The course incorporates some links-style features on areas of the course closest to the sea, with tall dunes dividing some of the holes adjacent to the golden sandy beach. Parts of the course venture close to a protected forest and into olive and fruit plantations. Some holes run along a small river that meanders through the site. Combined with large undulating greens, wide fairways and steep-faced pot bunkers, the links element of the course adds to its unique style and playability.

Ross McMurray of European Golf Design, who has been working closely with Langer, commented, ‘It is one of the most beautiful places you could be asked to design a golf course, and frankly the views are just breathtaking. We wanted to create a golf course which will be exciting, fun and challenging in equal measure.”

Langer, who has been impressive of late in his first season of the Champions Tour, currently lying second in the PGA Champions Tour Charles Schwab Cup standings, has taken some time out to visit the site and review how the course is developing. He recently said: ‘I am thrilled to have an opportunity to develop a golf course which will lead the way for golf in this part of Europe. I know that many people have already discovered this hidden unspoilt beautiful corner of Messinia in mainland Greece. It is a place that is rich in natural beauty and culture, which will enhance the region’s appeal to golfers looking for a beautiful golfing retreat. I’m sure that, with this fantastic project, many from around the world will travel to see its remarkable landscape and play what is set to be a world-class golf course.’

Much of the course has been crafted to reflect the rugged outlines of the distant mountains. As you move further inland, the course evolves further as the character softens to fit with its typically Messinian surroundings of olive and citrus groves. The course has been designed to create a unique rhythm and flow, balancing excitement, challenge and aesthetics with breathtaking views from many of the tees making each of the 18 holes memorable in their own way. The facilities at Navarino Dunes will also boast a superb practice area with academy holes, full-size driving range, and short game practice area with what is arguably the largest green in Europe.

The first phase in the developing destination of Costa Navarino will include two distinct sites, Navarino Dunes and Navarino Bay, spreading over a total of 270 hectares. This initial phase will incorporate four 5-star hotels. Also included in the development are state-of-the-art spas and thalassotherapy centers, conference facilities, high-end villas and other numerous amenities. At Navarino Dunes the two 5-star hotels will be operated by Starwood under The Luxury Collection and The Westin brands, whilst in Navarino Bay one of the 5-star hotels will be operated by Banyan Tree. With further premier international operators set to be announced shortly, together with the world-renowned golf designers, Costa Navarino is destined to raise the standards in luxury resorts around Europe.

The Navarino Bay course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is also under construction at Navarino Bay and will also be managed by Troon Golf. The Navarino Dunes course and the Navarino Bay course are both scheduled to open in late 2009 / early 2010, and together with the favourable climate conditions, will establish Costa Navarino as a new high-end year-round golf destination.

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Costa 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.

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 38 courses in 13 countries including Dubai, Portugal, Spain and England with further expansion planned across all regions.

With global headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 200courses located in 31 states and 31countries. 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; Brookwater Golf Club, Queensland, Australia; Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve, Portugal; Palmilla Golf Club, Los Cabos, Mexico; and The Grove, London, England.

TEMES S.A. is a premier developer of luxury mixed-use resorts in the Mediterranean. Costa Navarino is its flagship development in one of the most stunning seaside landscapes in Greece. With Costa Navarino, located in the region of Messinia in southwest Peloponnese, TEMES is creating a new world-class destination, the first of its kind in Greece. Costa Navarino will span an area in excess of ten million square meters (1,000 hectares) and will include luxury resort hotels, multiple golf courses and high-end private residences. At the heart of the company’s business philosophy is its strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility with the aim of creating sustainable tourism developments in harmony with the nature and traditions of each destination.