Golf equipment rental firm Clubs To Hire has landed the Tourism and Hospitality Company Award at the 2024 Algarve Business Awards in recognition of its excellence in all facets of its operations.
The Algarve is home to 45 golf courses and tourism is a huge part of business activities in the area. Over 1,300 companies applied for the awards, so it is clear recognition for the Irish-owned company that they are excelling in their field.
Clubs to Hire was founded in 2010 by Irish entrepreneur Tony Judge with the Algarve’s Faro Airport being its first location. The company has since grown to 29 worldwide locations and has looked after more than half-a-million golfers.
Judge was on hand to collect the award at the ceremony held at Vale do Lobo and said that he was genuinely shocked to win the award.
“When you are operating in such a busy tourist location with thousands of service companies, you really don’t think that you will be the one,” he said. “This is a fantastic award to receive and is recognition for our fantastic customer service and logistic teams who look after thousands of golfers every year.
“We have worked really hard on our business to make sure we give a first class product and service at a reasonable price. Our clients can collect their golf sets at our Faro Airport shop or have them delivered by our team to their hotel.
Judge added: “We have had a very busy year across all locations but the Algarve is home to our business and is one of our busiest locations. We have over 56,000 members who frequently enjoy our services and without them none of this would be happening.”
This year Clubs To Hire opened new locations across Europe and Asia. Domestically, the company also announced four new locations across Ireland in Cork, Donegal, Kerry and Galway. It also opened outlets in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Liverpool.
The Dublin-based company continues to invest heavily in new products, IT, distribution and marketing in order to prepare for the 2025 golf season.
Judge concluded: “The key drivers in our business are location, cost, convenience and the chance for our customers to try out some of the world’s best golf clubs, all of which are essential to golfers traveling abroad.”