LONDON / CAIRO -  European golf destinations, historic British links, and leading continental resorts enjoyed a banner evening as the World Golf Awards revealed its 2026 winners at the 13th annual Gala Ceremony. Hosted at Madinaty Golf Club in New Cairo, Egypt - marking the first time the global showcase has been staged on the African continent - the event recognized the finest golf courses, hotels, and designers across the UK and wider Europe.

Portugal Sweeps Global and Continental Destination Honours

Portugal reaffirmed its status as the world’s foremost golfing hotspot, leading the ceremony with a string of premier international and regional accolades:

• Top Global Destinations: Portugal was voted the world’s best overall destination by claiming World's Best Golf Destination 2026, while its scenic Silver Coast was named World's Best Emerging Golf Destination 2026.
• Europe’s Leading Course & Travel: On the Algarve, Old Course Vilamoura took home the coveted title of Europe's Best Golf Course 2026, with Vilamoura Golf named Europe's Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2026. Inbound specialist Tee Times secured Europe's Best Golf Tour Operator 2026.
• Architecture, Design & Amenities: Quinta do Lago captured Europe's Best Golf Venue 2026 alongside the worldwide award for World's Best Golf Academy Venue 2026. Palmares Ocean Living & Golf won Europe's Best Golf Clubhouse 2026, while Palheiro Golf on Madeira Island took World's Best Panoramic Clubhouse 2026. Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra secured World's Best Par 3 Hole 2026.
• Eco-Excellence: Portuguese facilities led sustainability honors, with Terras da Comporta named World's Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility 2026 and PGA Aroeira taking Europe's Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility 2026.

Home Nations Powerhouses: Scotland and Ireland Take Centre Stage

The British Isles made a commanding statement across both world and domestic categories, led by marquee venues in Scotland, Ireland, and England:

• St Andrews & The Home of Golf: The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St. Andrews took top global honors, being crowned World's Best Golf Course 2026.
• Trump Portfolio Double in Scotland: Trump International, Scotland (Aberdeen) captured World's Best 36 Old & New Course 2026 for its Old and New layouts. At Trump Turnberry Resort, Trump's Twelve claimed World's Best Par 3 Golf Course 2026, while the resort's iconic The Lighthouse took home World's Best Halfway House 2026.
• Ireland Crowned Continental Destination: Ireland was awarded Europe's Best Golf Destination 2026. Co. Mayo’s Carne Golf Links was voted Ireland's Best Golf Course 2026, and Co. Limerick’s Adare Manor won Ireland's Best Golf Hotel 2026. In the clubhouse sector, The Carriage House at Adare Manor was named World's Best Golf Clubhouse 2026. Tour operator Fairways and FunDays was voted World's Best Golf Tour Operator 2026, while North & West Coast Links secured Ireland's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2026 and Golfbreaks.ie claimed Ireland's Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator 2026.
• English Honours: West Sussex Golf Course took the title of England's Best Golf Course 2026, while luxury resort The Grove won England's Best Golf Hotel 2026. Specialist agencies Hashtag Golf Travel and Golfbreaks.com were named England’s best inbound and outbound golf tour operators, respectively.

Continental Landmarks: Mediterranean and Central European Standouts

Across mainland Europe, top luxury venues in Italy, Greece, and Spain were celebrated:

• Italy & Greece: Sicily’s Verdura Resort secured Europe's Best Golf Hotel 2026, while Tuscany's Royal Golf La Bagnaia was voted Italy's Best Golf Course 2026. In the Peloponnese, Costa Navarino won World's Best Golf Venue 2026, complemented by The Dunes Course taking Greece's Best Golf Course 2026 and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino named Greece's Best Golf Hotel 2026.
• Spain: Infinitum – Ruins earned the title of Europe's Best 9 Hole Golf Course 2026.
• Central & Northern Europe: PGA National Czech Republic took Czech Republic's Best Golf Course 2026, France’s Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National (L'Albatros Course) won France's Best Golf Course 2026, and Germany’s WINSTONgolf (WINSTONlinks Course) took Germany's Best Golf Course 2026.

UK Design Partnership Breaks Ground

A key global design milestone connected the UK directly to the podium: British architect Jon Hunt, partnering with Indian course designer Aashish Vaishnava under Bristol-based practice AV IDG, shared the world title for Golf Course Designer of the Year 2026. The cross-border collaboration between the UK and India joined a select roll of past winners that includes Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.

In the commercial and media categories, UK broadcaster Sky Sports Golf took the trophy for World's Best Golf TV Channel 2026, while international equipment heavyweights PING and FootJoy secured World's Best Golf Club Brand 2026 and World's Best Golf Shoe Brand 2026, respectively.

The World Golf Awards results were tabulated from a year-long voting cycle cast by industry travel professionals, global media, and consumer golf travelers worldwide.

Full list here https://worldgolfawards.com/social-media