SCOTLAND has been named the best golf destination in the world – having secured a double victory at the 2022 World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi.
It is the first time in the award’s nine-year history that Scotland has won the ultimate label of “Best Golf Destination in the World”.
Around 200 guests from various golfing destinations across the globe attended the Annual Golf Award gala ceremony in the Middle East, where Scotland was also crowned “Best Golf Destination in Europe”, marking the first time that a country has won both awards.
Scotland beat other golfing destinations to win, including Austria, Italy, Ireland, France and Greece, and had many of its famous golf courses nominated for “Scotland’s Best Golf Course 2022”.
Scotland, “the home of golf”, has more than 550 courses to play at including championship courses and resorts, parkland courses, and nine-hole courses.
The Kittocks Course in St Andrews, King’s Course at the Gleneagles Hote, and the Ailsa Course at Turnbury were all nominated – however, Prestwick Golf Club in South Ayrshire took home the prize of “Scotland’s Best Golf Course”.
This major double win for Scotland comes on the back of the country hosting some of the most prestigious and celebrated golf tournaments.
Scotland provided a picturesque stage for the 150th Golf Open at St Andrews, The Genesis Scottish Open, The Senior Open, Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open.
The hosting of these tournaments, which attracted more than 421,000 spectators to the country, and award wins are expected to attract even more golf to the nation.
VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “These awards are a fitting end to an extra special year of golf in Scotland and fantastic recognition for all the people who work so hard to grow and enhance our reputation as The Home of Golf.
“I’d like to extend our congratulations to everyone, as well as the wider tourism and events industries and suppliers.
“Every year we welcome hundreds and thousands of visitors eager to play our great golf courses and relax in our accommodation after a day’s golf, enjoying local produce and visiting nearby attractions.
“Golf tourism is a significant boost for the economy and raises Scotland’s profile on the international stage.”
Wilkinson Golf was named “Scotland’s Best Inbound Tour Operator” and former Open Champion and Ryder Cup winner Paul Lawrie was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his golfing success and for the Paul Lawrie Foundation, which helps encourage young people into the sport.
