Portugal has been named the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ at the World Golf Awards 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading destinations for golf tourism. The country celebrated a double success at the awards, with Portugal’s Silver Coast also claiming the title of ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’.
Now in its 13th year, the World Golf Awards recognise excellence across the global golf tourism industry, including destinations, resorts, courses, hotels and tour operators. The 2026 winners were announced at a gala ceremony hosted at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt, marking the first time the awards have been held in Africa.
Winners included Mission Hills Haikou, China, which was voted ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’ while Scotland also made a strong showing. Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen, won ‘World’s Best 36 Old & New Course’. At Trump Turnberry Resort, Trump’s Twelve was named ‘World’s Best Par 3 Golf Course’ and The Lighthouse took ‘World’s Best Halfway House’.
ION 54 was voted ‘Golf Business of the Year’. Fairways and FunDays won ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’. PING took ‘World’s Best Golf Club Brand’ and FootJoy ‘World’s Best Golf Shoe Brand’. The ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ went to Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose designs span more than 300 courses in over 50 countries across six continents.
Chris Frost, Managing Director, 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, TMG, 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.”
For more information see worldgolfawards.com
Image: Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal (Credit: Frederico Ferreira/Unsplash)