top of page
Search

World Golf Awards 2025: A Spectacular Setting and Strong Portuguese Presence

  • clairebambino
  • 13 hours ago
  • 4 min read

The 12th annual World Golf Awards took place at the elegant Savoy Palace on Madeira Island last November 12-13, 2025. Nestled in Funchal, this five-star resort, a proud member of the “Leading Hotels of the World”, offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, sophisticated contemporary design, and the tranquil atmosphere of one of Europe’s most alluring golf destinations.



The choice of Madeira, and the Savoy Palace as a host, underscores the World Golf Awards’ mission of celebrating excellence in golf tourism, hospitality and destination experiences. The island’s mild climate, coastal vistas and upscale resort infrastructure create the perfect backdrop for a ceremony that recognises world-class golf courses, resorts and destinations.


🇵🇹 Portugal strong in Nominations and Awards

Portugal has once again demonstrated its prominence in the global golf tourism arena with multiple nominations across major categories. The list of Portugal's Nominees and Winners* (*🏆) for 2025 is as follows :


  • World's Best Golf Destination 2025:

    • 🏆 Portugal 🍾


  • World's Best Emerging Golf Destination 2025:

    • 🏆 Madeira



Terras da Comporta (South Lisbon)




  • World's Best Golf Clubhouse 2025:

    • 🏆 Palmares Ocean Living & Golf


  • World's Best Golf Course 2025:


  • World's Best Golf Venue 2025:



  • World's Best Private Golf Club 2025:

    • 🏆 The Els Club Vilamoura


  • Golf Business of the Year 2025:

    • 🏆 Details - Hospitality, Sports, Leisure





PGA Aroeira (South Lisbon)

  • Europe's Best 9 Hole Golf Course 2025:

    • 🏆 Pine Cliffs Resort




  • Europe's Best Golf Hotel 2025:

    • (nominee) Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

    • (nominee) Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais & Chateaux, Madeira


  • Europe's Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2025:


  • Europe's Best New Golf Course 2025:

    • (nominee) Ombria Golf Course


🗳 Voting Process

Voting for the 2025 World Golf Awards opened in February 2025 and remained open until 1 October 2025. The process invites participation from both golf-tourism professionals (tour operators, travel buyers, industry media) and the general public. This inclusive, dual-stakeholder model ensures that both expert opinion and consumer voice shape the outcomes, reinforcing the Awards’ role in raising standards and visibility in golf tourism worldwide.


⛳️ History of the World Golf Awards

The World Golf Awards were established in 2014 as part of the World Travel Awards family, with the goal of celebrating and rewarding excellence in golf tourism, world-class golf courses, and golf destinations worldwide. The initiative was created in response to the growing importance of golf as a driver of high-value international travel, recognizing that the sport’s tourism sector generates billions in global revenue each year. Since its inception, the ceremony has evolved from a niche industry event into one of the most prestigious gatherings in the global golf calendar. Each year, it brings together leading figures from golf course management, resort development, tour operators, media, and professional players. The inaugural event took place in November 2014 at the Conrad Algarve, Portugal, firmly linking the Awards’ heritage to one of Europe’s leading golf destinations.


For the full list of nominees and winners, visit the World Golf Awards website.



bottom of page