Left to right: Eric Trump, Executive Vice President, The Trump Organization; President Donald J. Trump, 45th & 47th President of the United States of America; Sarah Malone, Executive Vice President, Trump International)
World Golf Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism – has unveiled the winners of its 2025 programme.
Portugal enjoyed a strong showing, with the sun-blessed nation named ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’, and its Atlantic archipelago of Madeira claiming ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’.
Sir Nick Faldo was voted ‘Golf Designer of the Year’. The six-time major champion continues to expand his global design portfolio through Faldo Design, with current projects including Vietnam, Brazil, Pakistan and Madeira.
Trump International Scotland cemented its place among the world’s greatest golfing destinations by winning three headline awards. The New Course was named ‘World’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best New Golf Course’, while Trump International Scotland was awarded ‘World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality’.
President Donald J. Trump, 45th & 47th President of The United States of America, said: “A great honor to win such a prestigious award from the highly respected World Golf Awards. I am very proud of the job that Eric Trump and my team did on building one of the greatest golf courses anywhere in the world. It will make people happy for a long time to come!”
The Algarve’s coveted new golf course, The Els Club Vilamoura, was named ‘World’s Best Private Golf Club’. The Portuguese club is set to host a new tournament on the PGA Champions Tour in summer 2026.
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 each category named as the winner.
Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “We are delighted to unveil the best golf organisations of 2025 – the courses, resorts, designers and hospitality providers that are driving the global golf industry to new heights. This year’s winners reflect the strength and innovation within the sport, showcasing an exceptional blend of excellence, sustainability and passion. We have received a record number of votes from golf consumers and industry professionals worldwide – a wonderful endorsement of the growing appeal of golf tourism.”
LIV Golf Adelaide, The Grange Golf Club was recognised as ‘World’s Best Golf Event of the Year’, with 54 Limited winning ‘Golf Advisory & Operations Team of the Year’. Ireland’s Fairways and FunDays claimed ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’.
Other winners included Madinaty Golf Club (‘Africa’s Best Golf Course’); Terras da Comporta – Dunas Golf Course, Portugal (Europe’s Best Golf Course); Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia (‘North America’s Best Golf Course); Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, Singapore (Asia’s Best Golf Course); and Heritage Golf Club – La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius (Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course).
For more information about the World Golf Awards, visit worldgolfawards.com and for a full list of winners click here. https://worldgolfawards.com/winners/2025
