World Golf Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism – has unveiled this year’s top golf tourism organisations at its 11th annual Gala Ceremony in Madeira.
Portugal enjoyed a strong showing, with the sun-blessed nation named ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’, and Terras da Comporta claiming ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.
Nestled within an 800-acre estate overlooking West Scotland’s rugged coastline, the exquisite Trump Turnberry was voted ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’. Heritage Golf Club – La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius claimed ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’. LIV Golf Adelaide was recognised as ‘World’s Best Golf Event of the Year’.
This year’s edition of World Golf Awards marked a global gathering of golf industry leaders, with pioneers and key figures travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Savoy Palace, marked the climax of a two-day golf itinerary sampling the best of Madeira’s golf courses.
Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, says: “Madeira has proved to be a magnificent host for this world-class gathering of the global golf tourism industry. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading golf courses, hotels, resorts, designers and tour operators from across the world and my congratulations to each of them.”
Madeira’s growing status as a golf hub was reinforced with the title for ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’. Palheiro Golf collected ‘World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse’ and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra won double honours (‘World’s Best Par 3 Hole’ and ‘World’s Best Sustainable Water Capture Course System’).
Eduardo Jesus, the Regional Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Culture and President of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, emphasises that the award won by the archipelago for ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’ is an honour and, above all, a reward for the ongoing efforts to foster, promote and communicate this sport. He says: “This award, once again presented to Madeira Islands today, consolidates the commitment we have made to this sport and brings an added responsibility to continue positioning Madeira as a unique golfing destination in the world,” highlighting that World Golf Awards took place in Funchal, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the island and the distinctive features of golfing in the region to the global elite of the sport. He adds: “Today, we have three truly exceptional golf courses in Madeira Islands, designed by some of the most renowned names in the field, perfectly integrated into our unique landscape. Moreover, we are already building the fourth course, this time on the western part of Madeira. In recent years, the Madeira Promotion Bureau has been strengthening the communication efforts around each of the golf courses, and through the Madeira Golf Passport project, it has elevated the promotion of this sport to a global level.”
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s favourite golf tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by golf industry professionals, the media and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
For more information about the World Golf Awards 2024, visit worldgolfawards.com and for a full list of winners click here.
