The World Golf Awards: Honouring the Best in the Golf Industry

Mike Gibas • October 14, 2023

The World Golf Awards is a prestigious global initiative that recognises and celebrates excellence in the golf industry. The awards aim to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate the achievements of the industry’s best and brightest

The World Golf Awards is divided into seven regions: Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, Latin America, and Middle East. Each region has its own gala ceremony where the winners are announced and honoured. The regional winners then compete for the global awards, which are revealed at the grand final event


The winners of the World Golf Awards are determined by a year-long online voting process, which involves millions of golf professionals and consumers from around the world. The voting criteria include customer satisfaction, quality of service, innovation, creativity, and social responsibility. The winners represent the best of the best in the golf industry, from courses and clubs to resorts and destinations


Among the hundreds of global winners, there are some that stand out for their exceptional performance, reputation, and impact. Here are 10 of the best winners of the World Golf Awards across all categories:


World’s Best Golf Course: Royal County Down Golf Club (Northern Ireland)

Royal County Down Golf Club is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Course award for the fourth time. Royal County Down Golf Club is one of the oldest and most renowned golf courses in the world, dating back to 1889. The course is located in Newcastle, County Down, and offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. The course is designed by Old Tom Morris and George Combe, and features natural sand dunes, gorse bushes, heather, and blind shots. The course is challenging and rewarding for golfers of all levels.


World’s Best Golf Destination: Portugal

Portugal is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Destination award for the seventh time. Portugal is a country that offers a rich and diverse golf experience, with over 90 courses spread across its mainland and islands. Portugal has courses that suit every taste and budget, from coastal links to inland parklands. Portugal also has a mild climate, a friendly culture, a gastronomy, and a wine.


World’s Best Golf Hotel: Trump Turnberry (Scotland)

Trump Turnberry is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Hotel award for the third time. Trump Turnberry is a luxury hotel that overlooks the Ayrshire coast in Scotland. The hotel is part of a 800-acre estate that includes three golf courses, including the legendary Ailsa course that has hosted four Open Championships. The hotel also features a spa, a fitness centre, a pool, and several restaurants and bars.


World’s Best New Golf Course: Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Vietnam)

Hoiana Shores Golf Club is the winner of the World’s Best New Golf Course award. Hoiana Shores Golf Club is a new golf course that opened in 2020 in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. The course is designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and is part of a $4 billion integrated resort project that includes hotels, casinos, entertainment venues, and residential units. The course is set along a 2.2-kilometre stretch of beachfront land, and features natural sand dunes, native vegetation, water hazards, and ocean views.


World’s Best Eco Friendly Golf Facility: Sentosa Golf Club (Singapore)

Sentosa Golf Club is the winner of the World’s Best Eco Friendly Golf Facility award for the second time. Sentosa Golf Club is a golf club that is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The club has two courses: Serapong and Tanjong, both of which are certified by GEO Foundation as GEO Certified® venues. The club also has initiatives such as reducing plastic waste, recycling water, using solar energy, and supporting local communities.


World’s Best Par 3 Course: Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort (Bulgaria)

Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is the winner of the World’s Best Par 3 Course award for the second time. Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is a resort that features a par 3 course that is part of a larger 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. The par 3 course is located on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, and offers spectacular views of the cliffs, the sea, and the beach.


World’s Best Golf Tour Operator: Your Golf Travel (United Kingdom)

Your Golf Travel is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Tour Operator award for the fourth time. Your Golf Travel is a golf travel company that offers tailor-made golf holidays to over 3,000 destinations in 22 countries. Your Golf Travel has a team of golf experts who can arrange flights, accommodation, transfers, tee times, and extras for golfers of all abilities and budgets. Your Golf Travel also has exclusive deals and offers with some of the world’s best golf courses and resorts.


World’s Best Golf Academy: David Leadbetter Golf Academy (Global)

David Leadbetter Golf Academy is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Academy award for the third time. David Leadbetter Golf Academy is a golf academy that was founded by David Leadbetter, one of the world’s most influential and respected golf instructors. The academy has over 40 locations in 15 countries, where it offers coaching, training, and education for golfers of all ages and levels. The academy also has a network of certified instructors who use the latest technology and methods to help golfers improve their game.


World’s Best 9 Hole Golf Course: The Links at Brunello (Canada)

The Links at Brunello is the winner of the World’s Best 9 Hole Golf Course award. The Links at Brunello is a 9 hole golf course that is part of a larger 18 hole course designed by Tom McBroom. The course is located in Timberlea, Nova Scotia, and is surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. The course is challenging and fun, with rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes.


World’s Best Golf Personality: Tiger Woods (USA)

Tiger Woods is the winner of the World’s Best Golf Personality award for the second time. Tiger Woods is one of the most famous and successful golfers of all time, with 82 PGA Tour wins, including 15 major championships. Tiger Woods is also known for his charisma, style, and influence on the game and the society. Tiger Woods has overcome many obstacles and challenges in his career and personal life, and has inspired millions of fans and followers around the world.


These winners are not only places to play, but also places to enjoy, learn from, and respect. If you are a golf lover, you should definitely visit these winners and see for yourself why they are worthy of their awards