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