It’s the “Home of Golf” – and now Scotland has the honor of being the best golf destination in the world. This is the first time the World Golf Awards have awarded this title in its nine-year history.
Golf Award Gala
The Annual Golf Award Gala in the Middle East attracted around 200 people from all over the world to golfing destinations. The World Golf Awards named Scotland the “Best Golf Destination in Europe.” This marks the first time they have given such an award.
Scotland won over other golfing destinations, including France, Italy, Ireland and Greece. The organizers nominated many of Scotland’s most famous courses for “Scotland’s Best Golf Course 2022.”
It is part of the World Travel Awards and celebrates excellence in golf tourism. The winners are selected by media, tour operators, and golf enthusiasts from around the globe.
Scotland was also named the best destination in Europe in another category. This marks the first time that both awards have been given in one year.
This comes after a great year for the sport, highlighted by the 150th Open held at St Andrew’s.
Scottish Open and Senior Open
The country hosted the genesis Scottish Open and Senior Open Presented by Roles, Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Opens, Hero Open, NetBet Casino, AIG Women’s Opens, and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The Scottish Golf Industry’s memorable night was concluded with this: Wilkinson Golf Named Scotland’s Best Inbound Travel Operator. Prestwick Golf Club awarded the title of Scotland’s Best Golf Club to Paul Lawrie. The organizers honored Paul Lawrie, a former Open Champion and Ryder Cup winner, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Foundation Encourage young people to take up the sport.
The events attracted nearly half a million people. Bosses hope that the historic double will bring more people to the sport’s birthplace.
Scotland’s Golf Tourism Recognized as a Global Leader
Malcolm Roughead is the Chief Executive of VisitScotland. He stated that these awards were a fitting way to end an extra special year of golf in Scotland. It also provides fantastic recognition for all those who have worked so hard to build and improve our reputation as The Home of Golf. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all, including the wider tourism and events industry and suppliers.
“We welcome thousands of tourists each year to our fantastic golf courses. After a day of golf, they can relax in our accommodations and enjoy local produce. The growth of golf tourism in Scotland is a major boost to the economy.”
Dermot Synnott is Director of Global Partnerships at the World Golf Awards. He said that “Scottish tourism is thriving, while Scotland is a bucket-list destination for many golfers around the world. The country offers many links and parkland options in all regions. This makes it a great destination for the traveler golfer. This award, which is a nod to hosting iconic events, is a fitting tribute to a high-quality destination for golf that hosted the 150th Open in St. Andrews earlier in the year.”
Scotland’s Golf Industry by the Numbers
Experts value Scotland’s golf industry at more than £1.1 billion. Golf tourism accounts for around PS286m annually and supports approximately 4,400 jobs. Scotland annually attracts approximately 220,000 golfing tourists. Meanwhile, 92,000 regular visitors to Scotland will play golf while they are on vacation.