Destination Golf Global Guide (Winter 2018) * | Page 45

Leading names from the golfing world joined
Global figureheads and influencers from the
golf travel industry at Spain’s legendary La
Manga Club for the 5th annual World Golf
Awards, last month and the Destination Golf
team were well represented on the night,
interviewing prize winners though our global
media partnership.
Golfing legend, Gary Player, was voted ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’
at the 5th annual World Golf Awards. The South African icon scooped top
honours at golf tourism’s event of the year, which was hosted at La Manga
Club, Spain.
Portugal also emerged as one of the big winners, collecting trophies for
both ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ and ‘Europe’s Best Golf Destination’. St
Andrews Links (Old Course), Scotland scooped the award for ‘World’s Best
Golf Course’, while The Belfry was recognised as ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’.
In the newcomer category, the breathtaking parkland surroundings of
Ireland’s The Golf Course at Adare Manor led to it collecting ‘World’s Best
New Golf Course’.
The 2018 World Golf Awards proved a truly global gathering of the golf
tourism industry, with pioneers, influencers and leading figureheads from
43 nations in attendance. The prize-giving ceremony marked the climax of a
three-day itinerary that included golf on La Manga Club’s West Course and
South Course.
Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “La Manga Club
has proven a world-class host on what has been a magnificent evening
of triumph for the golf tourism industry. We have had the privilege of
recognising the leading golf courses, hotels, resorts and tour operators from
across the world and my congratulations to each of them.”
The weekend also proved an excellent showcase for host La Manga
Club. Set across an area of 1,400 acres, La Manga Club has enjoyed a rich
golfing history over the last four decades. The resort offers exclusive
accommodation, first-class professional sports facilities including three golf
courses, a 28-court tennis centre, eight FIFA-standard football pitches, as
well as a 2,000m2 wellness centre and fine dining.
Other winners on the night included The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand
Cayman (‘World’s Best 9 Hole Golf Course’); Vietnam (‘Asia’s Best Golf
Destination’); Abu Dhabi (‘Middle East’s Best Golf Destination’); Abu
Dhabi Golf Club (‘Middle East’s Best Golf Course’); Royal Johannesburg &
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