DG Issue 25 - February 2015 | Page 28

INAUGURAL WORLD GOLF AWARDS 2014 Portugal has taken the title of World’s Best Golf Destination at the inaugural World Golf Awards, hosted last November at the Conrad Algarve to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world class courses and golf destinations. A global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the golf hospitality industry, the event also saw St Andrews Links - Old Course recognised as the World’s Best Golf Course, while The Els Club Teluk Datai was awarded the honour of World's Best New Golf Course. In two special presentations, Peter Alliss was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Golf Industry, while victorious European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley was awarded the honour of Golf Personality of the Year. Providing a flourish of exquisite quality for attendees of the event, Laurent-Perrier supplied refreshment during the presentation of the awards. In an event hosted by renowned sports journalist Steve Rider, Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa also took the title of World's Best Golf Hotel, while World's Best Golf Tour Operator went to Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions. The presentation of the awards was the centrepiece of a three-day itinerary for the event, which saw guests enjoy some of the world-class facilities on offer at the famous Quinta do Lago Resort. Everything from a chauffeur driven airport pick-up