World Golf Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism – has revealed the best golf organisations of 2021 at its 8th annual Gala Ceremony in Dubai.
Vietnam, with its resurgent golf market, was unveiled as one of the big winners, collecting trophies for both ‘Asia’s Best Golf Destination’ and ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’, whilst Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills Golf Club was named ‘Asia’s Best Golf Course’. Meanwhile, Augusta National Golf Club’s rich history and world-class greens helped it lift the title for ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.
Hosted in the United Arab Emirates for the second time, this year’s World Golf Awards proved a global gathering of the golf industry, with pioneers, influencers and leading figureheads travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Park Hyatt Dubai marked the climax of a golf itinerary which included the World Golf Awards Classic played at The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
Scottish LPGA player, Catriona Matthew, received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her outstanding contribution to golf. Swedish pro golfer Henrik Stenson was named ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’ at the golf tourism event in Dubai.
Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “Park Hyatt Dubai and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club have proven world-class hosts of what has been a magnificent reunion of the golf tourism industry. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading golf courses, hotels, resorts, designers and tour operators from across the world and my congratulations to each of them.”
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s favourite golf tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by golf industry professionals, the media and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
The combination of sumptuous hospitality and glorious golf courses helped England’s The Belfry to win ‘Europe’s Best Golf Hotel’ and ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’. Abu Dhabi Golf Club took ‘World’s Best Golf Clubhouse’. Golf Saudi collected ‘World’s Best Sustainable Legacy Award’, reflecting the Kingdom’s progress in bringing the game to new audiences within a sustainable golf ecosystem.
FootJoy named the World’s Best Golf Shoe Brand 2021, Titleist named the World’s Best Golf Club Brand 2021.
In Turkey, Carya Golf Club Belek named Turkey’s Best Golf Course 2021, Cornelia De Luxe Resort named Turkey’s Best Golf Hotel 2021, Kaden Golf awarded Turkey’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2021, and Verde Golf Turkey announced as Turkey’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator 2021.
North America
Augusta National Golf Club (USA) – North America’s Best Golf Course 2021, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (Hawaii) – North America’s Best Golf Hotel 2021, United States – North America’s Best Golf Destination 2021, BC Golf Safaris – North America’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2021
In Canada, Tobago Golf received Canada’s Best Golf Course 2021 award, The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa was selected as Canada’s Best Golf Hotel 2021, BCgolfguide.com Inc named Canada’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2021, Golf Away Tours selected Canada’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator 2021.
In the United States, Elite Golf Experiences named both U.S.’ Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2021 and U.S.’ Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator 2021.
For a full list of winners click here.
