Golf

27Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Venues & Stadiums

Emaar South Golf Club: Dubai’s newest championship golf course

Dubai has added a new championship golf course to its sporting itinerary with the opening of Emaar South Golf Club on 5 October 2026. Located in Dubai South, it's the fourth golf club in Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio and features an 18-hole championship course designed by European Golf Design. With dedicated practice facilities and a contemporary clubhouse, Emaar South Golf Club caters to experienced players, beginners and families. Hakan Keskin, leader of hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The opening of Emaar South Golf Club marks an important milestone for Emaar Hospitality Group and reflects our continued commitment to creating exceptional leisure and lifestyle destinations.  “This is more than a new golf course; it is a thoughtfully designed destinat...

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22Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure a record-extending fifth victory when he returns to Emirates Golf Club for the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 21-24 January. The world No.2 and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time major champion after defending his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. It capped a remarkable 12 months for McIlroy, who was also part of the European team which won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros. McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 20...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf

From Bulgaria’s cliffs to Norway’s midnight sun: seven underrated golf destinations

A golf break on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast or a round beneath Norway’s midnight sun? Golfbreaks has selected seven European destinations for players looking to take their next trip beyond the familiar golfing hotspots. The tour operator’s picks range from coastal resorts with several courses on the doorstep to destinations where golf can be combined with surfing, hiking and exploring historic towns. The selection is supported by Golfbreaks’ internal booking data, comparing 2026 with the equivalent period in 2025. It comes as the company reports rising UK Google search interest in golf package holidays and quieter courses, using Google Trends figures current to September 2026. “Golf is steeped in tradition, and course quality is often judged by history and reputation,” said Cameron...

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10Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Events, Golf

MENA Golf Tour to open 2026-2027 season with three events in Cairo

The MENA Golf Tour has confirmed that it will open its 2026-2027 season with three tournaments in Egypt’s capital city Cairo. The season will tee off with the Cairo Open at Madinaty Golf Club from 28-30 November, followed by the New Giza Classic at New Giza Golf Club from 3-5 December. The Egyptian Open will then round off the three-tournament stretch at Madinaty Golf Club from 8-10 December. Both courses hosted the men's golf Tour last season, when Juan Salama set a course record 60 on his way to a wire-to-wire victory at Madinaty and Lauri Ruuska closed with a 62 to win at New Giza. The season will feature a minimum of 12 tournaments and at least $1.2 million in prize money, with every event carrying a minimum $100,000 prize fund and $18,000 to the winner. The cut falls after 36...

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26Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars, Golf

DP World Tour 2027 schedule: tournaments, Rolex Series and men’s golf majors

The men's golf DP World Tour has announced its 2027 global tournament schedule, featuring 42 events across 24 countries as part of the Race to Dubai. Three historic tournaments will return to the calendar, with the Deutsche Bank Singapore Open, Open de Portugal | Cascais-Lisboa, and Hong Kong Open all featuring during the season.  The Deutsche Bank Singapore Open will be held at Sentosa Golf Club from 15-18 April as part of the Asian Swing, while the Open de Portugal returns for the first time since 2020, taking place at Oitavos Dunes Links Golf in Cascais from 13-16 May.  The Hong Kong Open, established in 1959, returns to the DP World Tour schedule for the first time since 2019. It will be staged at Hong Kong Golf Club from 21-24 October. Both the Hong Kong and Singapo...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Trends, Venues & Stadiums

Trump’s Twelve: New 12-hole par-three golf course opens at Trump Turnberry

Trump’s Twelve, a new 12-hole par-three course at Trump Turnberry, has officially opened at the iconic golf resort on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.Featuring holes ranging from 70 to 206 yards, the course combines undulating greens, imaginative green surrounds, natural wasteland areas and carefully positioned water features to create a dramatic short-course layout for golfers of all ages and abilities. The opening marks another exciting chapter at Trump Turnberry, where Trump’s Twelve joins the legendary Ailsa, consistently ranked among the world’s greatest golf courses, and the highly acclaimed King Robert the Bruce course. The opening of Trump’s Twelve continues an exceptional period of investment across the golf facilities at Trump Turnberry, following the recent enhancements to the A...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2026 to be held at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt

Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt has been named as the official host venue of the 13th annual World Golf Awards, taking place from 5-7 November 2026.  Marking the first World Golf Awards to take place in Africa, the Gala Ceremony will be held on the evening of 7 November, forming the climax of an exclusive golfing itinerary that will include the World Golf Awards Classic to be played on the 18-hole Championship Course (par 71, 6,900 yards), designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course hosted the 2022 Asian Tour International Series.  The weekend will also include a welcome reception at the official accommodation partner The St. Regis New Capital, Cairo.  Owned by TMG Golf and managed by Troon, Madinaty Golf Club is a full-service, premier golf destination set w...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay 

Indoor sports and entertainment company Five Iron Golf has announced the opening of its second Dubai venue – in the city’s Business Bay area.  Located near DIFC, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, the new 6,500sqft venue at Damac Towers by Paramount is designed to serve residents and visitors seeking a high-quality environment for recreation, networking, and events in the heart of the city.  The new venue features five Trackman-powered simulators with multi-angle swing analysis and access to hundreds of world-renowned courses, providing opportunities to practise, play, and compete year-round – regardless of weather conditions. Complementing the golf experience, the venue includes three multisport simulators offering interactive gameplay across sports such as football and disc golf, a...

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3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour

Here’s one for the golfers… hospitality group Rocco Forte Hotels has introduced “The Grand European Golf Tour”, a curated collection of golf experiences across its European destinations, created in partnership with Golf Travel Centre.  Guests can combine stays at Rocco Forte's celebrated hotels with play at Europe's most prestigious courses, all within easy reach of the properties. From historic championship layouts in Scotland to the award-winning fairways of Verdura Resort in Sicily, each experience is designed for discerning golfers seeking world-class sport complemented by culture, cuisine, and renowned hospitality. The hotels and destinations The Balmoral, Edinburgh: Standing at the east end of Princes Street, The Balmoral combines Scottish heritage with contemporary fiv...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts

Limassol Greens: Cyprus’ newest golf travel destination

Limassol has strengthened its position as a rising Mediterranean sports tourism hub with the official opening of the 18-hole championship golf course at Limassol Greens – a landmark development that blends urban accessibility, winter sun appeal and five-star hospitality. Set within one of Cyprus’ most ambitious lifestyle-led real estate projects, the par-71 course has been designed by renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson, whose portfolio includes some of Europe’s most respected layouts.  Spanning 6,304 metres of carefully contoured terrain, the course combines flowing fairways, immaculate greens and strategically placed bunkers to deliver both challenge and playability. Course design: strategy shaped by the elements Limassol Greens has been carefully crafted to offer chan...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Qatar Classic: MENA Golf Tour returns to Doha Golf Club with new event

The MENA Golf Tour continues its expansion across the region with the announcement of the Qatar Classic, a new event to be held at the prestigious Doha Golf Club from 23-25 March 2026. The tournament marks the Tour's return to Qatar, where it previously staged an event at Doha Golf Club in 2013. It will serve as the penultimate event on the schedule, offering $100,000 in prize money and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points as players make their final push for Order of Merit positions ahead of the season finale. Doha Golf Club has a rich tournament heritage, having hosted the Qatar Masters on the DP World Tour for many years. The championship course has witnessed victories from some of the game's biggest names and provides a world-class test that will challenge the field. MENA...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, Golf

Golf 2026 events calendar: majors and biggest tournaments

Golf fans around the world can look forward to a packed international calendar in 2026. At the heart of the season are the four men’s majors and five women’s majors, each offering its own legacy and challenge. On the men’s major schedule the Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National in April, followed by the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open Championship in July, where golf’s oldest major will again draw massive global attention.  The women’s game takes centre stage across five majors, reflecting its rapid international growth. The Chevron Championship tees off the major season, while the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open continue to elevate the global reach of elite women’s golf, att...

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3Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Golf, Sports Business

153rd Open at Royal Portrush: a £280m economic impact for Northern Ireland

Golf's Open Championship has reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s most powerful drivers of sports tourism, with the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generating £89.2 million in total economic impact for Northern Ireland, according to a study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Industry Research Centre. Causeway Coast and Glens alone benefited by £43.7 million, underscoring the Championship’s transformative effect on host destinations.  Beyond visitor spending, the global visibility of the golf major delivered a further £191 million in destination marketing value, driven by worldwide broadcast coverage, digital platforms and extensive online media reach, as reported by YouGov.  The Open’s spectacular return to the iconic Causeway Coast drew a record-breaking 278,000 specta...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Golf

PGA Tour 2026 calendar marks 20th year of golf’s FedExCup

The 2026 PGA Tour men's golf season is set to deliver one of the most globally compelling and competitive calendars in recent memory, showcasing a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and world-class destinations. The 2026 Tour marks the 20th edition of the FedExCup. Tee­ing off in January under the Hawaiian sun, the season charts a dynamic journey through iconic American courses, coastal classics, and major metropolitan stops – each offering its own drama as players battle for FedExCup points and season-defining moments. A highlight of the year once again comes from the sport’s four men’s majors, with the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open Championship anchoring the heart of the season and drawing global attention from millions of fans and sports travellers.  ...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027

With Europe clinching a dramatic Ryder Cup victory over the USA at Bethpage Black, all eyes now turn to Ireland as the countdown begins for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, where golf’s greatest team event will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Team Europe stars Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy played pivotal roles in New York, with Lowry delivering the decisive half point that ensured Europe retained the coveted trophy in front of packed galleries. Ireland’s Ryder Cup roots run strong, with Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke among recent captains, having also provided unforgettable moments such as McGinley holing the winning putt in 2002 and Clarke’s performance at the K Club in 2006, when Ireland last hosted the event. The Island of Ireland is no stranger to hostin...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Italian Swing’ golf trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

For golf travellers who believe the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination, the “Italian Swing” voyage aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a bucket list experience like no other. This four-day, three-night adventure fuses world-class golf with the romance of slow luxury travel – a rolling celebration of Italy’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture. Unveiled as part of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express’s series of curated Italian itineraries, the Italian Swing offers an indulgent round trip from Rome to Apulia, Siena, and Perugia, showcasing Italy’s finest fairways in cinematic style. Think golden Tuscan hills, medieval towns, coastal vistas, and evenings of exquisite dining – all wrapped in the timeless elegance of a train that redefines old-world glamour. Onbo...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business

Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates to open in Dubai in 2030

Hotel group Mandarin Oriental has announced that its first dedicated golf resort – Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates – will be located in Dubai, UAE. Opening in 2030 and featuring branded residences, the luxury golf and wellness resort will be the group’s third property in the city and uniquely positioned within Jumeirah Golf Estates’s next phase of development.  When it opens its doors, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai will comprise 121 spacious rooms and suites. In addition, there will be 97 branded residences ranging from three- to six-bedroom villas, each with its own amenities and private access to a lounge, meeting space, pool and fitness areas. A highlight of the resort will be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, presenting an extensive range of the group’s...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Highland Icons’ golf breaks at Links House

The UK's most northerly luxury destination has launched 'Highland Icons' golf breaks on the world-famous North Coast 500 for autumn and spring. The five-star Links House at Royal Dornoch has created the ultimate stay-and-play packages for passionate golfers looking for a world-class experience within easy access of four championship level courses listed amongst the UK's top 100. Located just one hour from Inverness Airport, Links House is easily accessible for a two or three-night golf break from London, Manchester, Bristol and Belfast.  As well as sitting less than 100 yards from the first tee at Royal Dornoch, the legendary Links House is also well-placed within 30 minutes of Brora, Tain and Golspie golf courses.  Whether you're escaping for a competitive few days with frie...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, Golf

DP World Tour 2026 calendar: 42 tournaments across five ‘global swings’ 

The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship and a new venue for the Amgen Irish Open headline the 2026 DP World Tour global schedule.  Featuring a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in 25 different countries, the schedule will once again comprise three distinct phases, beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ in November 2026. Members will compete for a record total prize fund of $157.5 million (outside the Major Championships) on golf’s global Tour next season. The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, the first tournament on the European Swing, will take place from 7-10 May 2026 at Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona. It is a new event on the 2026 schedule following the agreement annou...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Sports resort in focus: Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club, Scotland

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s rolling Perthshire countryside, just 20 minutes from Dundee Airport and under an hour from Edinburgh, Murrayshall Country Estate & Golf Club is a luxury retreat that fuses championship golf with timeless Scottish hospitality. Set across 365 acres of parkland and woodland, this historic estate is both a tranquil escape and a gateway to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. With its blend of elite golf access, refined accommodation, diverse dining, and adventure-filled countryside setting, Murrayshall offers the complete Scottish getaway. Whether you’re chasing bucket-list golf, a romantic retreat, or an outdoor family escape, this Perthshire gem delivers an unforgettable experience at the very heart of Scotland. The estate Dating back more...

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