Destination Golf - January 2016 | Page 48

WORLD GOLF AWARDS 2015 Portugal has led winners at the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony 2015, taking the title of World’s Best Golf Destination for the second year in succession. At a glittering event at Conrad Algarve, Portugal, Ernie Els Design was also recognised with the title of World’s Golf Course Designer of the Year. In a special presentation from the World Golf Awards Academy, golfing legend Bernard Gallacher was presented with the World Golf Awards Lifetime Achievement Award trophy. Following the event World Golf Awards Managing Director Christopher Frost said: “We have seen some true champions emerge here this evening at the second annual World Golf Awards. “It has been a privilege to recognise the international leaders in golf hospitality and to shine the spotlight on some of the best golfing destinations from around the world. Can I offer my sincere thanks to those who joined us at the Conrad Algarve and my congratulations to those among them who have emerged victorious on this wonderful night.” Golf Course, while Las Colinas Golf & Country Club was recognised as Spain’s Best Golf Course. The world famous Belfry claimed the title of England’s Best Golf Hotel. The presentation of the awards formed the centrepiece of a threeday itinerary for the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony 2015, with guests enjoying some of the worldclass facilities on offer at the famous Quinta do Lago Resort. The golf classic on Quinta North course was sponsored by Destination Golf Magazine, with the Managing Editor Dermot Synnott, Marketing Manager Kathy Synnott, and Editor Karl Doyle also in attendance on the night. Providing a flourish of exquisite quality for attendees of the event, Laurent-Perrier provided champagne refreshment during the presentation of the awards. Broadcasting legend Steve Rider hosted the Gala Ceremony alongside the glamorous Ela Clark. Portugal Golf Membership, a digital platform that offers benefits to golfers wishing to travel to Portugal for a golf break, was selected Golf Partner for the Gala Ceremony 2015. There was also success for St Andrews Old Course Links, defending the title of World’s Best World Golf Awards saw presentations made across a range 48 Destination Golf .TRAVEL of categories during a red carpet event, with leading golf tourism destinations competing for titles including Best Golf Resort, Best Golf Course, Best Golf Tour Operator, and Best New Golf Course. Golf tourism constitutes a vital segment in the global travel and tourism marketplace. An estimated 60 million golfer visits will take place in 2015 to the 32,000 golf courses and resorts worldwide. The 2015 World Golf Awards focused on the leading 130 nations who are shaping the future of this dynamic industry, striving to ultimately raise the golf tourist customer experience and stimulate both the domestic and international golf tourism market. Votes are made by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry – senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents and media professionals. Votes may also be cast by the public (golf tourism consumers), which works on a firstpast-the-post system to ensure impartiality and independence. Votes are submitted online via the World Golf Awards website. worldgolfawards.com