Dolphin Capital has announced that Kilada Country Club, Golf & Residences has been unveiled as the PGA National Greece, holding geographical exclusivity and joining an illustrious list of PGA National resorts worldwide. This recognition is testament to the 18-hole Par 72 Championship Course meticulously designed by Jack Nicklaus, combined with the quality of the additional services that will comprise the 208-hectare resort. These include a contemporary Country Club, a beach club and an exclusive residential offering, amongst a range of hospitality amenities such as in and outdoor dining and a bar.
Miltos Kambourides, Founder and Managing Director at Dolphin Capital, leading Greek real estate developers, comments, “We take great pride in announcing that our Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course has been awarded the PGA National Greece status. Kilada Country Club, Golf & Residences will attract both golfing pros and amateurs alike, becoming a community space for members, residents and guests. Our vision is to provide a new place to call home in this destination of exceptional natural beauty which marks the latest step in the development of Porto Heli.”
The PGA National Greece joins a distinguished group of PGA National properties offering some of the most prestigious golf and hospitality amenities in the world, a title restricted to one recognised resort per country. Notable examples include Ryder Cup venues PGA National England at The Belfry and PGA National Scotland at Gleneagles, featuring the PGA Centenary Course, also designed by Nicklaus.
Robert Maxfield, Chief Executive of The PGA comments, “We are delighted to start work on the development journey of the PGA National Greece at Kilada. The location of the site is excellent, the course architect is the greatest player of all time and Dolphin Capital has a proven track record of creating outstanding real estate and leisure facilities. We are tremendously excited to be part of the team which will bring one of the very best golf and property developments to reality in the Mediterranean.”
“The PGA National Greece further strengthens the Association’s reputation in Europe, and we look forward to promoting the entire resort to PGA Members and golfers across the globe.”
With a perfect year-round climate, set amongst the olive groves and hills of Kilada with views out to the sea and the islands beyond, the Jack Nicklaus Signature course is one of a kind. It has been designed to conserve and enhance the natural environment whilst being both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels. The team has strategically routed the 7,100-yard course into the existing natural contours of the Grecian hillside, curving around olive groves and ancient ruins. The layout comprises two loops of nine holes, each returning back to the Country Club, with entries to the greens open and unobscured so playing conditions are to the highest resort play standard.
Considered the greatest golfer of all time and the world’s leading golf course designer, Jack Nicklaus remarks, “Since I first stepped foot on the course, I was astounded by its beauty. The site, sitting above a fishing village on the Peloponnese Peninsula, is spectacular. The Kilada course will play its way through existing valleys, nestled among olive groves, overlooking the sea.”
Designed with sustainability and conservation front of mind, the Nicklaus team have preserved and celebrated the existing vegetation whilst opening up the course to allow for vistas out onto the glistening waters of the Argolic Gulf. The turf has been chosen to not only accommodate the local climate, but also complement the pre-existing, native flora. Further considerations include implementation of the hard-line irrigation system designed to maximise water efficiency and minimise waste.
Due to be completed in 2023, Dolphin Capital and the team at Nicklaus Design will deliver a world class, PGA National Golf Course for residents and guests to enjoy. Work has already begun on the first holes, with grassing due to take place in summer.