The Awards
The Golf Course Awards will be a multi-category awards programme, recognising outstanding golf courses from across Great Britain & Ireland. The Awards will connect golf courses with consumers, influencers and brands, delivering an extensive promotional campaign in the lead up to the annual Winners’ Ceremony.
The Campaign
Beginning with the announcement of the finalists, we will be running a content-rich promotional campaign, building sustained momentum in the lead up to the Winners’ Ceremony. The campaign will include:
A high-profile ambassadorial programme
Influencer-led social exposure
Bespoke promotional packs available for all finalists
Newsletter outreach to an extensive GB & I Golf Course database
Sustained cross-national media coverage
UK-wide events and activations alongside the main event
The Judging Process
The judging process will initially involve a bank of expert reviewers, who will support the administrators in deciding upon the finalists. At this point, the GCA Judging Academy will diligently review all finalists before announcing the winners. Finally, each category winner will make up the shortlist for our flagship award, The Overall Golf Course of the Year - Great Britain & Ireland.
The Golf Course Awards’ reviewers will include intrepid golfing enthusiasts, leading golf journalists, as well as subject-matter experts. The prestigious GCA Judging Academy will be drawn from across the golfing universe, including:
Golf course architects
Professional golfers
Golfing pundits
Leading journalists
Amateur enthusiasts
The Ceremony
To celebrate the annual achievements of the very best courses across a wide range of categories, the annual Winners’ Ceremony will brings together leading golf course owners and managers, PGA professionals and retail brands, as well as sports journalists, influencers and media organisations.
Our inaugural event will be held in December 2024, and in upcoming years, it will rotate around the Great Britain & Ireland.
The Winners’ Ceremony will be held at the top of The Shard on 5th December, with tickets available for golf courses to purchase now.
The Categories
We have consulted experts across the game to devise a list of categories that represents and reflects the entire golfing landscape. Each category will have its own criteria that will be communicated as soon as submissions open.
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Selected from a shortlist that includes each of our category winners. The winner will be the course whose preceeding year was exceptional in its ambition, achievements and overall golf experience, setting the standard for excellence in the golfing industry.
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Awarded to the very best in terms of design, condition and aesthetics. Successful finalists will also be able to evidence delivery of innovative and inclusive initiatives during the eligibility period.
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Awarded to the very best in terms of design, condition and aesthetics. Successful finalists will also be able to evidence delivery of innovative and inclusive initiatives during the eligibility period.
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Awarded to the very best in terms of design, condition and aesthetics. Successful finalists will also be able to evidence delivery of innovative and inclusive initiatives during the eligibility period.
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Awarded to the very best golf course on the Island of Ireland, in terms of design, condition and aesthetics. Successful finalists will also be able to evidence delivery of innovative and inclusive initiatives during the eligibility period
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Recognising rising stars in the golf course industry, celebrating new and recently renovated courses, improving exponentially year on year. Finalists will be able to evidence a progressive approach to golf course development and design, highlighting techniques and initiatives implemented to build a strong user base in a competitive market.
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Awarded to the most forward thinking short courses (less than a par 70 or 6,000 yards), with a strong focus on excitement, innovation, design and accessibility. Eligible short courses include par 3 courses, 9 hole courses, or short 18 hole courses.
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Awarded to the golf courses that are most committed to responsible stewardship of their natural resources. Successful finalists will be able to evidence excellence across a range of environmental criteria, such as water management, habitat conservation, soil health and community engagement.
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Recognising golf organisations that prioritise and successfully execute initiatives that create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. One that promotes diversity, accessibility, and participation - enriching the golfing experience for individuals from all walks of life.
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Awarded to golf courses that have developed junior facilities and programmes that inspire, educate and empower young golfers to develop their skills on and off the golf course.
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Awarded to the course and resort that offers the most unique and memorable playing experience, with a resort that both complements and elevates the overall golfing experience. This award celebrates resort courses that seamlessly blend natural beauty, top-notch course design, and unparalleled hospitality to create memorable experiences for golfers and resort guests alike.
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Awarded to the most innovative and inclusive practice facility in the UK & Ireland. Eligible facilities include golf course practice facilities, indoor and outdoor golf simulator venues, driving ranges or instruction centres.
*Final category names may be altered ahead of finalists announcement
Tee-Off Times
Submissions
are now closed
Submissions
Close
31st August 2024
Judging Academy
Announced
July 2024
Finalists
Announced
30th October 2024
Winners’
Announced
5th December 2024