With 11 strokes ahead in three laps on his runner-up Stuart Boyle (-4), Alessandro Tadini (-15) did not do things by halves by winning the 3rd edition of the Messinia Pro-Am, in Costa Navarino , in the southwest of the Peloponnese. The Italian could thus fly in stride to Oman - for the tournament of the European circuit which takes place this week - with full confidence. Note also the excellent 6th place of our unique French representative Julien Gressier (+2), the golf pro from Raray, who oversaw a 100% French team made up of Véronique Courcol, Isabelle and Eric Robert.

Bill Murray sets the mood

But the real attraction of the event was undoubtedly American actor Bill Murray, a big fan of golf, since he wrote a book on the subject twenty years ago and participates every year in the pro-am tournament at Peeble Beach. , on the PGA Tour (won in early February by Phil Mickelson). As cool on screen as in life, we were able to exchange a few words with the famous ghost hunter as he left the clubhouse, learning in bulk that: he is a fan of Jordan Spieth, he studied French " long time ago " at the Sorbonne for… three months, he returns this week to France to Angoulême, where he is currently filming a film by Wes Anderson.

During the entertainment offered each evening at the 5 * Westin hotel, we saw the actor of Un Jour sans fin or Lost in Translation multiply the antics, sway to the music of Abba or even overplay the emotion and do appearing to burst into tears, during the gala dinner, after the agreed speeches of the event organizers.

Costa Navarino, of the highest level

For three days (plus a practice round), pro and amateur golfers had the opportunity to set foot on The Dunes and The Bay courses, designed respectively by Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones II, with wide fairways but devilish greens. Two courses that will amaze you, like hole n ° 2 in the Dunes and this unique feeling of driving… in the sea. " I understand why we say that Costa Navarino is a gem, confides the former English rugby player and world champion Mike Tindall, who participated in the pro-am. The panorama is incredible and the atmosphere very friendly. And Bill Murray added, more seriously than usual, during the awards ceremony: “I had never been in a place like this before, it's very high level, the courses are exceptional. "

If we add the two 18 holes signed José Maria Olazabal currently under construction on the heights of the seaside town of Pilos, 15 km away, and which should open their doors in 2021, Costa Navarino is set to become the most beautiful destination. golf course of the Mediterranean basin. And the Messinia pro-am a meeting apart.

Frank Crudo

To know more : www.costanavarino.com