The event brought together an impressive array of industry representatives from the Scottish Golf Tourism sector in a celebration of all that remains positive about the tourism business.
The first Golf Tourism Scotland awards dinner was held in 2003 and within four years the event has become the “must be at” event in the golf calendar and has topped off a most busy and interesting year for the award organisers Golf Tourism Scotland. The dinner was preceded by a lively AGM with the industry representatives committing themselves to even greater involvement and effort to ensure that the tourism industry prospers further in 2008 and beyond.
Chairman Gary Wilkinson commented, “Once again, Scotland”s golf tourism industry has surpassed itself with many operators continuing to exceed visitors’ expectations. Our Annual Awards endeavour to recognise examples of excellent practice and hard work by many in the industry. What all of us have is the day-to-day experience of listening, selling and dealing with customers and it is this experience that must continue to be co-ordinated and utilised”.
All award winners are nominated by the golf tourism industry itself, with recognition given to accommodation providers, golf courses, transport operators, caddie masters, tour operators and a recent innovation The Young Industry Person of the Year. The evening was ended in vibrant style with a truly superb set by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and a mass singing of Loch Lomond for Children in Need which raised £2000 for the charity.
Golf Course of the Year was won by Murcar Links near Aberdeen. Hotel of the Year awards went to The Hazelbank Hotel in St Andrews (Small Hotel/Guest House), Enterkine House near Ayr (Country House), Rusacks Hotel (Large Hotel) and the Old Course Hotel (Resort Hotel) in St Andrews.
Other awards on the evening went to Carnoustie Golf Links for Secretariat of the Year, Doreen Mayes at Crail Golfing Society won the Caddie Master award; Woods Coaches from Tillicoultry scooped Transport Operator of the Year and Wilkinson Golf and Leisure received the accolade of Golf Tour Operator of the Year.
The final award for 2007, sponsored by the host venue, was for Young Industry Person and that was collected by Denise McKee from Tour Operators Perry Golf for her endeavours throughout the year.
Golf Tourism Scotland www.golftourismscotland.com