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 & Kensington Golf Club – East Course (‘Africa’s Best Golf Course’); Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Vietnam (‘Asia’s Best Golf Club’); La Manga Club (‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’); and Ekerum Resort Öland, Sweden (‘World’s Best Eco Friendly Golf Facility’).
Photo shows: Abu Dhabi Golf Club wins two awards: Abu Dhabi’s Best Golf Course 2018, United Arab Emirates’ Best Golf Course 2018
For more information about the 2018 World Golf Awards, visit worldgolfawards.com and for a full list of winners click here
