Tag: Golf

12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO’s three global golf tourism conventions fully booked for 2025

IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, has announced that its three global conventions in 2025 – the 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, the 3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria and the 16th North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) in Birmingham, Alabama – are now sold out, having attracted approximately 650 golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, inbound operators and tourism boards as exhibitors.  IAGTO is still taking registrations for buyers (golf tour operators) for the IEC and NAC events, and the capacity for both has been increased in order to accommodate even more hosted buyers. AGTC 2025 in Danang, Vietnam concluded on 5 April and attracted a record 450 delegates, 100 more than any of the previous 10 editions.  Peter Walton...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort

Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort, nestled in the heart of Provence’s picturesque countryside in the Var region of southeastern France, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and European Tour Destinations.  Renowned for its natural beauty, the resort is set within 750 acres of lush landscapes providing a tranquil escape for golf enthusiasts and families seeking an active and wellbeing escape. The resort features golf courses, a spa, four restaurants, and a selection of luxury suites and villas.  Golf at Terre Blanche Terre Blanche’s outstanding golf offerings make it a premier destination for golf tourism. The resort boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses:  Le Château Course: designed for competitive play, this 6,616m-long course feature...

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Visit Morocco named official tourism partner of golf’s Clutch Pro Tour

The Visit Morocco brand, under the Moroccan National Tourist Office, has been announced as the official tourism partner of golf's Clutch Pro Tour. Since its formation in 2019, the Clutch Pro Tour has grown into one of the leading development platforms in world golf, obtaining Official World Golf Ranking accreditation and becoming an official satellite tour to the European Tour’s HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour. This season, as part of the inaugural International Series, the Clutch Pro Tour will deliver two flagship events in Morocco. Both tournaments in 2025 are to be staged at the Al Houara Golf Club in Tangier – ranked the fifth best course in Africa, and second in Morocco. As well as becoming the official tourism partner, Visit Morocco will also be the title partner the new “M...

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16Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Leading Courses ranks Costa Navarino as Europe’s best golf resort for 2025

Leading Courses has unveiled the ninth edition of its "Europe’s Best Golf Resorts" ranking and Costa Navarino in Greece has taken the top spot.  Based on traveller reviews, the ranking is compiled using scores composed of 50% ratings from leadingcourses.com and 50% hotel and resort reviews from Booking.com. Resorts not listed on Booking.com are ineligible for the ranking, even if they might be considered among the best.  Additionally, bonus points are awarded to resorts with multiple golf courses – more holes mean more golfing enjoyment. In the case of a tie, the golf course rating determines the final ranking. If everything is still equal, the position is shared. For many golf travellers, a resort with multiple golf courses is a major advantage. It offers the ultimate luxury: a...

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9Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Moncayo’s new exclusive golf club in Puerto Rico

Exclusive experiences are an obvious addition to any bucket list, especially for sports travel, and the upcoming golf offering at Moncayo in Puerto Rico may just be the most exclusive we’ve seen yet. Moncayo, a luxury private residential community on Puerto Rico’s eastern seacoast, has unveiled details of its new golf club designed in collaboration with UK-based golf course architecture firm, Mackenzie & Ebert. Moncayo’s golf club is so exclusive that it will be limited to just 400 memberships, which are reserved for resident members and their guests. The club will feature an 18-hole championship course, spanning more than 7,200 yards with six sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all levels of play, and boast several holes offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Additionally...

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23Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Golfbreaks becomes travel partner of Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and global golf tour operator Golfbreaks have announced a partnership agreement to create golf travel packages and experiences for female golfers under the new “WGD Travel” banner.  The section will carry general travel information, featured packages and WGD-curated trips to major events and destinations ranging from affordable to bespoke luxury experiences. Golfbreaks will also host a WGD event this summer (27 May to 3 June 2025) as part of the WGD 10th anniversary celebrations. Dolores Brown, head of tournaments at Golfbreaks, said: “Golfbreaks is passionate about facilitating more golf options for women and creating experiences that make golf less daunting for them, which perfectly aligns with the ethos of Women’s Golf Day. Taking a trip away with your golfi...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Ontake Distillery in Japan fuses whisky with golf

If you’re anything like us – and have a passion for whisky and golf – then you’ll just love Ontake Distillery. Located in Japan’s Kagoshima Mountains, Ontake is the first distillery in the world to feature an on-site 18-hole golf course that is exclusively for cask owners, combining whisky and golf in a way that has never been seen before.  Taking its name from Sakurajima’s three majestic peaks – Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake – Ontake Distillery is perched 400 metres above sea level in the serene mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula.  The golf course  This state-of-the-art distillery not only crafts exceptional award-winning single malt whiskies but also delivers an unparalleled experience for its exclusive cask owners. Ontake has a world-first offering: a private 18-hole ...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2024: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

It was a big night for Portugal at the 11th annual World Golf Awards held in Madeira on 22 November. The sun-blessed European nation was named the world's best golf destination for 2024 while Terras da Comporta, on the Alentejo Coast, claimed the world’s best golf course award.  The 2024 edition of the World Golf Awards marked a global gathering of golf industry leaders, with pioneers and key figures travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Savoy Palace, marked the climax of a two-day golf itinerary sampling the best of Madeira’s golf courses. Madeira’s growing status as a golf hub was reinforced with the title for world’s best emerging golf destination. Palheiro Golf collected the world’s best panoramic clubhouse award and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025: tickets launched as Rory McIlroy confirms title defence

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will defend his title at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Tickets have also launched for the DP World Tour men's golf event, which will take place at the historic Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE, from 16-19 January 2025. Excitement is building among golf fans as the World No.3 aims to become the first ever five-time champion of the Desert Classic. Previously a tournament winner in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024, McIlroy will aim to lift the Dallah Trophy for the third consecutive time, and fifth overall. McIlroy will headline a world-class list of competitors at the prestigious Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour’s 2025 Race to Dubai schedule, which offers a $9 million prize pool. McIlroy said: “I’m thrilled to be returni...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Conv...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 

Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.  There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland. Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year's Women's Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the ...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, com...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich sporting heritage. While the town is famously known for skiing, Kitzbühel also offers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, the combination of challenging courses, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious amenities makes Kitzbühel a premier golfing destination. The area also boasts 12 exclusive golf hotels, ensuring a luxurious stay with pure enjoyment.  Golf courses in Kitzbühel Kitzbühel is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering four diverse golf courses and 54 varied holes on site, two of them in the town centre, and 12 more in the immediate vicinity. As each course is unique and different in its own way, it is well worth playing all ...

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8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand has expanded its health and sports wellbeing offering with the launch of the “Total Golf Enhancement” retreat. Combining time on the golf course with specialised fitness training, wellness cuisine, health and wellness consultations, and holistic therapies, the retreat supports golfers in developing their overall game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation. Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a health and wellness consultation, enabling the expert team to tailor a programme to each individual guest's wellbeing needs and goals. In addition to this, the Total Golf Enhancement retreat includes a golf fitness assessment followed by golf fitness training and a golf lesson that supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as red...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, has announced the name and designs of its golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Set to open in 2025, Shura Links promises a one-of-a-kind golf experience, offering Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course with holes on the water, marina views and spectacular fairways framed by the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with world-leading environmental consultants, Shura Links is guided by the highest sustainability standards, addressing a number of areas in tandem such as water-use reduction and innovative re-use of irrigation for habitat development.  “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visually...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort makes major investment in golf facilities

Golfers at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, can enjoy an enhanced luxury experience with the acclaimed Sicilian venue having undertaken a further upgrade of its award-winning golf facilities, including a major new investment in its golf academy. A new fitting and coaching centre with advanced technology is at the forefront of an array of improvements that the Rocco Forte resort has made in 2024 as part of an overall investment of more than €1m in its golf offering.  Having undertaken a major remodelling of its East and West courses and a significant investment in a course maintenance programme, which features a new sustainable irrigation system, Verdura Resort has carried out several additional new upgrades to the facilities and services it offers to all visiting golfers. As we...

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10Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars

DP World Tour golf: new-look schedule for 2024 European Tour season

The men’s golf DP World Tour has announced its schedule for the 2024 season – which will include a minimum of 44 tournaments in 24 countries and across five continents. In 2024, the tour’s stars will also compete for an overall record prize fund of $148.5m, excluding the majors. The 2024 Race to Dubai will feature three new phases – five “global swings” from November 2023 to August 2024; a “Back Nine” from September 2024 to October 2024; and two DP World Tour Play-Offs in November 2024.  As in previous years, there will be the five Rolex Series events – the premium category of events on the DP World Tour. In 2024 these will be:  Hero Dubai Desert Classic (18-21 January) Genesis Scottish Open (11-14 July) BMW PGA Championship (19-22 September) Abu Dhabi Champion...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

UAE golf travel: ‘stay and play’ at Al Zorah Golf Club and Oberoi Beach Resort

Al Zorah Golf Club and The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, in the UAE are offering golfers the opportunity to experience a luxury getaway this winter after releasing an exclusive “stay and play” golf package. Guests can take advantage of world-class golf – and a stunning climate – with an array of five-star benefits over the coming months at one of the UAE’s most spectacular destinations, which is situated just 30 minutes from Dubai International Airport in the heart of Al Zorah City.  The Troon-managed Al Zorah Golf Club opened for play in 2015 and is already regarded as one of the best courses in the Middle East. Designed by legendary 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, the course meanders around a natural mangrove landscape and two spectacular lakes. With a driving range and extensi...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2023: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

The World Golf Awards has announced the big winners for 2023 at its tenth annual gala ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Portugal enjoyed a strong showing and was named the world’s best golf destination, and The Algarve’s Quinta do Lago – South Course (pictured) claimed the best golf course in Europe award. Dunas Golf Course, Terras da Comporta collected two best newcomer categories: Europe’s best new golf course and world’s best new golf course.  Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of world’s best golf course and Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.  Apes Hills Barbados, with its lush tropical setting and stunning coastal views, was voted the world’s best eco-...

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Golf: 2025 Ryder Cup

The 2025 Ryder Cup, scheduled to take place at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York from 26-28 September 2025, promises to be one of the most highly anticipated events on the 2025 sporting calendar. After their 16½-11½ defeat against Team Europe in Rome in 2023, Team USA will be looking to regain the Ryder Cup on home soil in 2025. Bethpage Black, a public course known for its difficulty and rugged design, has hosted major tournaments in the past, including the US Open, but this will be its first Ryder Cup. The course’s narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens make it a fitting stage for the high-stakes nature of Ryder Cup play. The event itself is more than just golf. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans from both sides creating a unique enviro...

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