Colin Montgomerie came away with a brace of honours from the 6th World Golf Awards, being named ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’ and receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the golf tourism industry awards held at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi from October 28-30.
Hosted in the Middle East for the first time, the 2019 World Golf Awards proved a truly global gathering, with golf industry figureheads from across the world in attendance. The prize-giving ceremony at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort marked the climax of a three-day itinerary that included golf at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and numerous social events.
The rapidly-growing golf market of Vietnam was unveiled as one of the big winners, collecting trophies for both ‘Asia’s Best Golf Destination’ and ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’. Meanwhile the rich history and legendary golf of Scotland’s Carnoustie Golf Links – Championship Course was acknowledged with awards for ‘Europe’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.
The combination of phenomenal courses and a breathtaking Singapore skyline helped Sentosa Golf Club to the title of ‘World’s Best Golf Club’. Other winners on the night included England’s The Belfry (‘Europe’s Best Golf Hotel’ and ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’); Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, Saudi Arabia (‘World’s Best Golf Clubhouse’); and Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club (‘India’s Best Golf Course’). Home winners included Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Golf Course’) and Abu Dhabi Golf Club (‘United Arab Emirates’ Best Golf Course’).
Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi has proven a world-class host on what has been a magnificent evening of triumph for the golf tourism industry. We have had the privilege of recognising the leading golf courses, hotels, resorts, designers and tour operators from across the world and my congratulations to each of them.”
The ceremony also saw World Golf Awards welcome Golf Saudi as Presenting Partner. With Saudi Arabia quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic new golf markets, the new partnership highlights the ambition of the Kingdom to become an international golf destination.
World Golf Awards 2019 Winners
Golf Destination: Vietnam
Golf Course: Carnoustie Golf Links
New Course: Dubai Hills Golf Club, UAE
9-Hole Course: Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cayman
Par 3 Course: Els Performance Golf Academy, Vietnam
Golf Club: Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore
Golf Clubhouse: Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, Saudi Arabia
Eco-Friendly Golf Facility: Ekerum Resort Öland, Sweden
Golf Hotel: The Belfry, Warwickshire, UK
Golf Tour Operator: GolfAsian Co
Emerging Golf Destination: Madeira, Portugal
Golf Equipment Brand: Titleist
Golf Shoe Brand: FootJoy
Golf Travel Magazine: Destination Golf Guide
Golf TV Channel: Sky Sports Golf
Lifetime Achievement Award: Colin Montgomerie
Course Designer of the Year: Colin Montgomerie
For a full list of all this year’s award winners across all countries, visit https://worldgolfawards.com/winners/2019