Winners of first World Golf Awards announced

The inaugural World Golf Awards were held recently at Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Portugal. The resort was itself winner of two awards. The South Course received the ‘Best Golf Course in Portugal’ award and the redeveloped North Course was named as ‘Europe’s Best New Golf Course’. Paul McGinley, a regular visitor to Quinta do Lago for more than 20 years where he founded the only Paul McGinley Golf Academy in the world, was a popular choice as ‘Golf Personality of the Year’ award. Portugal was named as the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’.

John Dwyer, chief executive at Quinta do Lago, said, “It was a real thrill for us to play a leading role in the inaugural World Golf Awards and we feel tremendously honoured to win some of its main awards. It’s our aim at Quinta do Lago to provide the best golfing experience and the success is deserved recognition and testament to the hard work put in by everyone to keep the resort at the head of worldwide golf destinations.”

PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, won ‘Spain’s Best Golf Course’ category. Julio Delgado, CEO of PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “We are committed to delivering a world class experience for everyone who visits and it is rewarding to be recognised by the voting public, to whom we are very thankful. Winning the World Golf Award further strengthens our position as a leading European golf destination for visitors from across the globe and we are firmly resolved to continuing to enhance what we offer in order to maintain that status.”

La Manga Club was named as ‘Spain’s Best Golf Hotel. La Manga Club’s general manger, José Asenjo, said, “La Manga Club is proud of its reputation that has been established over the last four decades for offering a five-star golf product and the high regard that it is held in by golfers.”

The Belfry was named as ‘England’s Best Golf Hotel’. Director of Golf, Ian Knox, expressed his delight at the resorts success: “To once again receive such an accolade from key individuals within the industry, as well as the regular golfing consumers, is a fantastic honour for everyone.”

The Els Club Teluk Datai won the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ award, also collecting the ‘Best New Golf Course in Asia’ award. The Els Club Malaysia senior vice president, David Townend (pictured), who received both awards said, “To come away with two highly prestigious awards gives us great confidence in what has been created and the experience we offer our domestic and international guests at the Els Club Teluk Datai. These awards were nominated and voted on by the travel operators and media which tells us they really like what they see.”

Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort won ‘Bulgaria’s Best Golf Hotel’. A spokesperson for Thracian Cliffs said, “It is a real honour for us to receive the award at the inaugural event and we will be looking to improve further on our performance in order to retain the title next year.”

Assoufid Golf Club, situated near to Marrakech, was voted ‘Africa’s Best New Golf Course’. Guy Maxwell, golf director at Assoufid Golf Club, said, “Winning a World Golf Award so soon after opening underlines the positive impact Assoufid Golf Club is already having in the North Africa and European golf markets.”

World Golf Awards managing director, Chris Frost commented, “It has been an honour to welcome so many key players from the global golf hospitality industry here to Conrad Algarve for this inaugural gala ceremony. My congratulations go out to all out winners. This is recognition you so richly deserve.” More details of winners at: www.worldgolfawards.com

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Miles is the Owner and Managing Director of Robel Media, and the award winning GOLF RETAILING Magazine. With over 25 years in the media business, Miles has a wealth of experience in magazine publishing, digital media and live events. HANDICAP - 7.2