Celebrating Excellence in Golf: Winners of the 2026 World Golf Awards
Alexandra
Top Celebrations from the 2025 World Golf Awards
The World Golf Awards have announced the elite champions of 2025, recognizing outstanding achievements in the global golf tourism sector. As one of the foremost authorities in this field, the awards highlighted exceptional destinations, courses, and contributors within the sport's expansive community.
Portugal emerged as a preeminent winner, crowned the World’s Best Golf Destination. Its picturesque archipelago, Madeira, took the honor of World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination, showcasing the growing appeal of this Atlantic haven for golfers and visitors alike.
Renowned golfer and course architect Sir Nick Faldo earned the accolade of Golf Designer of the Year. His design firm continues to thrive with projects spanning continents, including Vietnam, Brazil, Pakistan, and Madeira, reflecting a diverse and global footprint.
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Trump International Scotland achieved remarkable success, winning three distinct awards: World’s Best Golf Course and Europe’s Best New Golf Course for its New Course, in addition to World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality. This underscores the venue's stature as a premier golfing destination renowned for top-tier hospitality and course design excellence.
The Algarve’s newest addition, The Els Club Vilamoura, was distinguished as the World’s Best Private Golf Club. With plans to host a PGA Champions Tour tournament in 2026, it stands as a vibrant hub for private club enthusiasts and competitive golf.
Additional Awards and Recognitions
- LIV Golf Adelaide, The Grange Golf Club: World’s Best Golf Event of the Year
- 54 Limited: Golf Advisory & Operations Team of the Year
- Ireland’s Fairways and FunDays: World’s Best Golf Tour Operator
- Madinaty Golf Club: Africa’s Best Golf Course
- Terras da Comporta – Dunas Golf Course, Portugal: Europe’s Best Golf Course
- Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia: North America’s Best Golf Course
- Sentosa Golf Club - Serapong Course, Singapore: Asia’s Best Golf Course
- Heritage Golf Club - La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius: Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course
The Role of Golf Tourism in Global Travel
Golf tourism represents a dynamic segment within the broader world of sports tourism. It attracts millions of enthusiasts who often organize vacations centered around playing golf or as an essential activity within broader travel plans. Its growth has transformed the sport from a niche pastime into a substantial economic engine across many regions.
The origins of golf are traced back centuries, with Scotland recognized as the birthplace, home to the iconic Saint Andrews Old Links course established in 1744. Since then, the sport has expanded worldwide, boasting over 32,000 golf courses globally and engaging more than 80 million players.
Golf tourists typically display characteristics such as higher spending power, extended stays, and a preference for destinations offering warm climates, exceptional courses, and luxury amenities. The appeal of golf tourism lies not only in the sport itself but also in the rich travel experiences, cultural encounters, and leisure activities that destinations provide.
Golf Tourism’s Economic and Environmental Dimensions
The economic benefits linked to golf tourism are extensive, including revenues from accommodation, dining, shopping, and support services such as transportation and guided activities. Golf resorts often serve as anchors for broader destination development, fostering growth in surrounding communities.
However, the environmental impact of golf courses, particularly regarding water consumption and land use, demands attention, especially in areas prone to resource scarcity. Sustainable golf tourism practices are gaining momentum, ensuring courses manage resources responsibly while continuing to offer world-class experiences.
Portugal: A Beacon for Golf and Coastal Tourism
Portugal’s meteorological allure, diverse landscapes, and rich culture have established it as a premier destination not only for sun and sea but also for golf enthusiasts. The country’s tourism sectors are concentrated primarily in Algarve, Lisbon, and Madeira, where modern infrastructure supports a growing influx of visitors from around the globe.
| Region | Main Golf Attractions | Tourism Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Algarve | Renowned golf courses including The Els Club Vilamoura | Popular for beaches, marinas, and luxury resorts |
| Lisbon | Historical and cultural sites with nearby golf facilities | Urban attractions with short breaks and events |
| Madeira | Emerging golf destination with scenic rugged coastlines | Eco-tourism, hiking, and emerging golf tourism |
Portugal’s climate and strategic investment in golf infrastructure have cultivated a flourishing golf tourism market. This aligns well with broader trends of coastal and marine tourism, where sailing and boating activities complement golf visits, offering visitors a full spectrum of sun-soaked leisure options.
Forecasting the Future of Golf Tourism
As the global appetite for golf tourism grows, destinations that combine premium golf facilities with rich cultural and natural environments will likely remain attractive. The integration of luxury amenities, sustainability initiatives, and innovative event hosting will further elevate the industry’s trajectory.
Emerging golf regions are also gaining recognition, challenging traditional strongholds by attracting international investment and cultivating unique experiences that resonate with modern tourists’ values of authenticity and environmental responsibility.
Impact on Related Tourism Sectors
The symbiotic relationship between golf tourism and other tourism products, including sailing, yachting, and waterfront leisure, offers promising avenues for destination diversification. Coastal areas endowed with golf courses and access to the sea can expect to see enhanced appeal, drawing tourists who seek varied recreational activities.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The 2025 World Golf Awards spotlight a vibrant and evolving landscape in the golf tourism world. Whether it’s the historic courses of Scotland, Portugal’s sun-kissed shores, or emerging talents in Asia and Africa, this celebration highlights excellence in course design, event management, and destination appeal. The fusion of golf with other maritime and leisure pursuits adds layers of excitement and opportunity for tourists and investors alike.
For travelers drawn to the sun, sea, and sport, golf destinations are becoming ever more versatile, combining the pleasures of high-quality courses with expansive water-based activities. In coastal paradises like Portugal and Scotland, the presence of marinas and sailing options reinforces the allure for those looking to blend yachting with world-class golfing.
For those inspired by this impressive showcase and eager to explore premium golf destinations alongside sailing and boating opportunities, GetBoat.com offers a robust marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts worldwide. The platform stands ready to match every adventurer’s taste and budget with vessels that open a gateway to unforgettable water experiences paired with leisure and sport on land.
