Day: May 27, 2025

Gran Canaria Celebrates Success at 25th IAGTO Awards

News Summary

The 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony held at Faro de Maspalomas showcased Gran Canaria’s remarkable contributions to golf tourism. With over 800 attendees, the event highlighted awards for top golf destinations and resorts. Gran Canaria was honored for its Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. Notable awards went to Costa del Sol, Arabella Golf Resort, and others, with local contributions recognized from Lopesan Hotels and more. The vibrant evening culminated in an open-air gala dinner and breathtaking light show, marking a significant milestone in golf tourism.

Gran Canaria Shines at 25th IAGTO Awards

What a dazzling night it was at the 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony held at the iconic Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse! With the gorgeous backdrop of Gran Canaria, over 800 members from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) gathered to celebrate excellence in golf tourism. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement buzzing through the crowd as awards were handed out to the best in the industry.

Gran Canaria Takes the Spotlight

Gran Canaria truly stole the show this year, recognized for its Outstanding Contribution to Golf Tourism. The island was lauded for hosting the vital IAGTO European Convention, showcasing its dedication to promoting golf tourism. The stunning location and warm hospitality played a big part in making it a standout venue.

A Night of Honors

The night concluded with an open-air gala dinner at Plaza del Faro Maspalomas, where delegates mingled while enjoying delicious food and drinks. As if that weren’t enough, a breathtaking audio-visual light show was projected onto the lighthouse, illuminating the night sky and adding an extra touch of magic to the evening. It was a sight to behold, creating lasting memories for everyone present.

Who Took Home the Awards?

The evening was filled with anticipation as winners were announced in various categories. The Costa del Sol walked away with the coveted title of Golf Destination of the Year, thanks to the consistent high ratings from IAGTO golf tour operators. These dedicated professionals are key players in the industry, being responsible for over 90% of international golf vacation packages sold worldwide.

The award for Golf Resorts of the Year went to some esteemed names in the world of golf, including Arabella Golf Resort in Mallorca, the Garden Park in England, Evian Resort in France, and the Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel in Spain. There was also a nod to the Golf Course of the Year, which was awarded to the impressive Cullinan Links Golf Club in Turkey.

Further accolades were given to DMCs (Destination Management Companies) of the Year, with Golf Around Italy and Injolf Tour Operator from Portugal taking home the honors. Hotels were also recognized, with The Killarney Park in Ireland being crowned Hotel of the Year.

Local Contributions Recognized

Gran Canaria’s own Lopesan Hotels, Meloneras Golf, Anfi Golf, and Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas all received recognition for their contributions to the island’s golf tourism landscape. These establishments play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for golfers visiting the island.

Exciting News Beyond the Awards

The event was not just about awards; community spirit was evident as Husqvarna raised a fantastic £15,000 for Faldo Futures during a golf invitational at The Berkshire Golf Club in Ascot. Also, Yas Links Abu Dhabi made its mark by entering the Top100GolfCourses.com World Top 100 Courses ranking at an impressive 96th position.

Looking ahead, the Golf Foundation has been announced as the official charity for the upcoming BMW PGA Championship, showcasing a commitment to giving back to the community.

Tourism Ireland Takes a Step Forward

During the convention, Tourism Ireland showcased its beautiful offerings, hoping to boost golf visitor numbers from mainland Europe. With 19 golf and tourism operators from Ireland actively participating, it was a golden opportunity for networking and forging business ties.

Exciting Golfing Events on the Horizon

Golf enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to! The Open will return to Royal Portrush in the summer, and the Ryder Cup is scheduled to be held at Adare Manor in 2027. Talk about thrilling events for the golfers out there!

Looking Ahead

IAGTO has also planned an exciting calendar of global conventions for 2025, including the AGTC in Danang, the IEC returning to Gran Canaria, and the NAC in Birmingham, Alabama— all of which are already sold out! It seems the world of golf tourism is thriving and brimming with prospects!

Gran Canaria’s 25th IAGTO Awards ceremony was indeed a night to remember. It celebrated not just the winners, but the vibrant golf tourism industry that continues to flourish and delight enthusiasts worldwide!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

IAGTO Announces 2025 Golf Conventions Are Sold Out!
Ireland’s Golf Tourism Making Waves with New Partnerships

Additional Resources

Yas Links Abu Dhabi Debuts in Global Golf Rankings

News Summary

Yas Links Abu Dhabi has made its impressive debut in the Top100GolfCourses.com World Top 100 Courses, coming in at 96th place. This historical achievement not only highlights Yas Links as the only golf course in the UAE to feature on this prestigious list but also emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a world-class golfing destination. The course is renowned for its stunning coastal views, traditional links-style layout, and a commitment to enhancing the golfing experience through recent investments and community initiatives.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi Makes a Splash in Global Golf Rankings!

Big news in the world of golf! Yas Links Abu Dhabi has just made its debut in the prestigious Top100GolfCourses.com World Top 100 Courses ranking, coming in at an impressive 96th place. This is the first time this stunning course has found a spot on this coveted list, and it’s creating quite a buzz among golf enthusiasts across the globe!

A Proud Moment for Golf Lovers

This ranking is truly a landmark achievement not just for Yas Links, but also for Abu Dhabi as it continues to establish itself as a world-class golfing destination. The Top 100 list highlights the finest golf courses in the United States, the UK, Europe, and beyond, so making the cut is no small feat! Yas Links stands out as the only golf course in the UAE to earn a place on this prestigious list, adding to its charm and allure.

Location and Design

Located along the breathtaking coastline of Yas Island, Yas Links was designed by the talented Kyle Phillips. Opened in 2010, it’s known for its remarkable traditional links-style layout that offers not just a round of golf, but an experience filled with dramatic views and championship-level conditions. Golfers flock to Yas Links, not just for the game, but for the stunning vistas of the Arabian Gulf that serve as the backdrop to their swing.

Home to Major Events

Yas Links isn’t just any golf course, either. It regularly plays host to the prestigious Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which is part of the Rolex Series and one of two playoff events in the DP World Tour season. This event alone draws in crowds and golf professionals from around the world, adding to the course’s prestige.

Recent Investments and Upgrades

Recently, Yas Links has seen significant investments aiming to elevate the golfing experience even more. A brand new high-performance golf academy has been established, equipped with cutting-edge technology to support coaching and player development at all levels. With two indoor swing studios, a dedicated putting studio, and climate-controlled teaching spaces, this facility is designed to enhance training no matter the weather!

The upgraded academy features state-of-the-art tools like Trackman launch monitors and video analysis, allowing golfers to refine their skills effectively. These investments aren’t just about enhancing facilities; they aim to engage the community! Special programs for juniors, women, and beginners are set to increase participation in the sport, building a vibrant community around golf.

Membership and Participation Growth

In 2024, Yas Links reported a booming 49% rise in memberships, a whopping 101% increase in coaching sessions, and a 26% surge in rounds played. Clearly, golf is on the rise here! Along with a partnership with PLATFORM Golf that aims to offer top-notch training environments, the momentum is only expected to grow.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Yas Links is planning a broader rebranding under the Viya Golf Performance Institute. This initiative is set to combine elite golf training with community-focused programs, ensuring that both pros and novices can find their footing on the green.

With its unique design that marries the traditional Scottish links style with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links truly has something for everyone. Green fees range from an attractive approximately 880 AED ($217) to 1100 AED ($300), depending on the season, making it accessible to many!

In Conclusion

As Yas Links Abu Dhabi steps onto the world stage, it opens up an exciting chapter in the story of golf in the UAE. With its dedicated community initiatives, accessible coaching programs, and a reputation for excellence, Yas Links is not just a golf course; it’s a celebration of the sport itself!

So, whether you’re an avid golfer or simply love the charm of great courses, keep an eye on Yas Links—it’s a rising star in the global golf scene, and it’s here to stay!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Corey Finn Honored at Ruwad Awards for Agronomy Excellence
Paul Waring Claims Historic Win at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Additional Resources