Portugal has taken the title of World’s Best Golf Destination at the inaugural World Golf Awards.
Hosted by the same group that hosts the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of the travel industry, the World Golf Awards took place last November 15th at the Conrad Algarve and saluted the best golf destinations, courses, and resorts in the world.
The two categories won by Portugal - ‘Best Golf Destination in Europe’ and ‘Best Golf Destination in the World’ - were "largely due to the excellence of the golf courses in the Algarve" admitted the judges.
With 80 golf courses, many of them set against ocean views, dramatic cliffs, white sand dunes, lakes and mountains, Portugal was singled out as the best in golf tourism.
Popular among golf pros and host to major events on the professional circuits including the European Tour, many of the courses are designed by architects like Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore and Arnold Palmer.
A mild year-round climate also makes Portugal a popular golfing destination.
World Golf Awards managing director Chris Frost said: “Tonight has been a tremendous success and 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.”
He added: “This is just the start of the journey for World Golf Awards. We will return to Conrad Algarve next year for the Gala Ceremony 2015 and I look forward to greeting many of our nominees from this evening in 12 months time.”
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. Among the highlights was a chance to play on the newly renovated Quinta do Lago North Course, awarded Europe's Best New Golf Course.
For the full list of winners, including regional winners across the US, Canada, South Africa and Australia visit http://worldgolfawards.com/winners/2014
Source: World Golf Awards
