The World Golf Awards has announced the winners of its 13th annual awards, with Portugal named ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ and Mission Hills Haikou in China receiving ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’.
The 2026 Gala Ceremony took place at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt, marking the first time the awards ceremony has been held in Africa.
The event also included the World Golf Awards Classic, played on Madinaty’s 18-hole Championship Course. Owned by TMG Golf and managed by Troon, Madinaty Golf Club is located within the master-planned city of Madinaty, on the eastern edge of New Cairo.
Portugal secured two awards, taking the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ title, while its Silver Coast was named ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’.
China also featured among the winners, with Mission Hills Haikou receiving the ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’ award.
Scotland Secures Multiple Golf Awards
Scotland recorded several wins across the golf course and resort categories.
Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen, was named ‘World’s Best 36 Old & New Course’. Meanwhile, Trump’s Twelve at Trump Turnberry Resort received ‘World’s Best Par 3 Golf Course’, while The Lighthouse was recognised as ‘World’s Best Halfway House’.
Other winners included ION 54, which received ‘Golf Business of the Year’, and Fairways and FunDays, named ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’.
In the equipment categories, PING won ‘World’s Best Golf Club Brand’, while FootJoy received ‘World’s Best Golf Shoe Brand’.
The ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ went to Robert Trent Jones Jr. His golf course designs span more than 300 courses in over 50 countries across six continents.
Egypt Hosts First African World Golf Awards Ceremony
Chris Frost, Managing Director of World Golf Awards, said: “Bringing World Golf Awards to Africa for the first time was a landmark moment for us, and Egypt proved a magnificent host. Madinaty Golf Club gave us a championship course, superb hospitality and a warm welcome for the leaders of golf tourism from around the world. My congratulations go to every winner.”
Omar Hisham Talaat, Chief Business Development Officer of TMG, described the ceremony as an important milestone for the company, Egypt and the African continent.
He said: “Hosting the 13th annual World Golf Awards at Madinaty Golf Club has been a truly proud and historic moment, not only for TMG Golf but for Egypt and the African continent. Welcoming this prestigious international event to Africa for the very first time demonstrates Egypt’s ability to host world-class sporting occasions and deliver exceptional experiences on the global stage.
“The success of this event reflects our continued commitment to excellence, our investment in world-class sporting and hospitality infrastructure, and our vision to position Madinaty Golf Club among the world’s leading golf destinations. We are particularly proud to have welcomed distinguished guests and industry leaders from across the international golfing community, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand the quality of our championship course, our facilities and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.
“This is more than a successful event; it is another important milestone in establishing Egypt as a premier international golf tourism destination. We believe this achievement will open the door to further prestigious international events, strengthen Egypt’s position on the global golfing map and create lasting opportunities for the country’s sports and tourism sectors.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the World Golf Awards, the leadership and management of TMG for their continued vision, commitment and investment in developing world-class destinations, Troon, our valued partners, and the entire Madinaty Golf Club team for their outstanding dedication and professionalism in delivering an event of such international significance. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved and reinforces our ambition to position Egypt among the world’s leading golf and tourism destinations.”
Voting Process
The 2026 results followed a year-long voting process covering golf tourism and hospitality brands worldwide.
Votes were submitted by golf industry professionals, media representatives and members of the public. In each category, the nominee receiving the highest number of votes was declared the winner.
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