Judging

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 prestigious GCA Judging Academy will be drawn from across the golfing universe, including golf course architects, current and ex-golfers, golfing pundits, leading journalists and amateur enthusiasts.

Meet the Judges

  • Nick Dougherty

    Nick Dougherty

    Former Tour Professional & Sky Sports Golf Presenter

    Former tour professional and multiple winner on the DP World Tour, Nick is now one of the most recognisable faces in Golf, anchoring Sky Sports Golf coverage as their lead presenter. He has also rose to fame as the face of Tee Time Tips, the inspirational and inclusive Tee Time Tips platform.

    We’re delighted to be partnering with Nick Dougherty. Starting with his commitment to grassroots golf, we share the same values and the same ambition - to recognise and platform great golf courses.

  • Eimear McManus

    Avid Golfer, KPMG Women's Irish Open's Head of Marketing & MD of ForeFront Comms

    Eimear is a keen golfer and traveller with a passion for increasing youth participation in the game. Eimear loves exploring both established and emerging courses, as well as discovering hidden gems on both sides of the pond. Eimear brings a vast knowledge of golf courses and her unique insight will be an excellent addition to the GCA judging panel. Eimear has been marketing lead for the JP McManus Pro-Am, KPMG Women's Irish Open and other top golf courses across Ireland.

  • Dan Walker

    Broadcaster, Journalist & Author

    Dan Walker is an award winning journalist, broadcaster and author. He is currently the anchor of Channel 5’s evening news programme and hosts the breakfast show on Classic FM. Previously, he presented BBC Breakfast for six years and Football Focus for twelve. He has also worked on a wide range of sporting events including the Olympics, the World Cup, the Euros, Wimbledon and the Open.

    Dan is a keen golfer - always seeking to perfect his drive and practicing his putting! He is a regular at Pro-Am competitions, playing at courses across the country, and runs his own golf days to raise money for charities close to his heart.

  • David Jones

    Writer & Golf Course Reviewer

    David is a keen golf enthusiast who has played over 500 courses across the world, many of which are reviewed on his UK Golf Guy website. As a 12 handicapper, he looks at golf courses through the eyes of an average golfer and brings to life what to expect when visiting a course - whether it's a World Top 100 course or a local municipal.

    David has sat on rankings panels for various Scottish, UK, European and World lists, and is also a keen photographer and videographer of golf courses.

  • Emma Ballard

    Editor of Women & Golf

    Emma Ballard has been the Editor of Women & Golf for the last three years. Women & Golf is the UK’s leading women’s golf platform, which has been covering everything and anything to do with women and girls’ golf for over 30 years. Before Women & Golf, Emma worked at a full service golf PR and marketing agency for 13 years.

    She is also a graduate of The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Development Programme and has since gone on to coach and mentor other participants on the main and foundation programmes.

  • Scott Macpherson

    Golf Course Designer, Author & Podcaster

    Scott Macpherson is a golf course architect based in Edinburgh. Originally from New Zealand, Scott has been designing high-quality bespoke golf courses around the world for over 20 years. These include the Colt Course at Close House – the host to two British Masters, Royal Wellington, Millbrook Resort, and most recently, proudly the golf designer of the R&A's new Golf It! facility in Glasgow.

    He studied landscape architecture at UC Davis in California, and has a specialist interest in environmentally sensitive golf course design. Scott has also written two highly regarded golf books, St Andrews, The Evolution of the Old Course, and Golf’s Royal Clubs.

  • Inci Mehmet

    Professional Golfer & Leading Sky Sports Analyst and Broadcaster

    Having broken onto the scene as an incredibly talented junior, Inci went on to represent England and GB&I around the world, competing on the Ladies European Tour. In recent years, Inci has turned her hand to broadcasting, now a regular analyst, presenter and leading broadcaster across Sky Sports golf coverage.

    Inci’s drive to modernise the game, improve accessibility and inspire the next generation chimes perfectly with our core values, and we are delighted to welcome her onto our inaugural panel.

  • Andrew Cotter

    Leading Sports Broadcaster & Bestselling Author

    Andrew is one of our foremost sports broadcasters, commentating expertly on rugby, tennis and athletics, as well as golf. Growing up in Troon, and representing Scottish Schools at Golf, Andrew remains a keen observer of the game, although freely admits to being a less proficient player now.

    Whether commentating on The Open, presenting The Chipping Forecast podcast or hitting a shot or two when he can on his travels, Andrew’s vast and varied experience within the UK&I golf scene offers a unique insight into the virtues of our leading courses, and we’re delighted to welcome him on to our panel for 2024.

  • “I’m delighted to join forces with this incredible initiative, and to be given the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work our fantastic golf courses are doing to grow the game of golf across the UK & Ireland”

    Nick Dougherty

  • “I’m honoured to join forces with The Golf Course Awards. The focus on courses across the UK & Ireland is right up my street, as I have lived in the UK for over 10 years, spending time exploring courses both in the UK & Ireland. My personal ambition is to encourage more young men and women to play the game. Golf and Golf Courses have given so much to me and I hope I can give back to this incredible sport."

    Eimear McManus

  • “I’m thrilled to join forces with a recognition programme that seeks to reward excellence across the game. The Golf Course Awards' focus on innovation and accessibility aligns with my ambition to help modernise the game, to build an environment that encourages the next generation, including young women, to take up this awesome game”

    Inci Mehmet

  • “I've played many outstanding courses in the UK & Ireland, so I’m both excited and a little bit daunted by the prospect of attempting to separate our finalists, all of whom are no doubt worthy of the recognition. I admire the Golf Course Awards' ambition to recognise a wider breadth of courses than perhaps usually receive national acclaim, and am looking forward to meeting the rest of the panel to deliberate later in the year.”

    Andrew Cotter

  • “I am delighted to have been selected as a judge for the inaugural Golf Course Awards for UK and Ireland. I am very conscious that female golfers can often experience golf courses in a very different way from men. This is through my own personal experience, from the women I have played with and feedback from readers of Women & Golf. Too often women and girls have been an afterthought when it has come to golf course design, layout and facilities, so my hope is that we’ll find courses that truly embrace every golfer.”

    Emma Ballard

  • "Golf courses are the palette and playground for those who play the game to enjoy themselves, test their games, and get close to nature. I hope the Golf Course Awards will drive the aspirations for those clubs wishing to be welcoming and inclusive while also recognising those golf courses that broaden the game's appeal and improve their nature and wildlife areas. I am delighted to be invited to join a talented team of people to help identify those golf courses delivering the best golf experiences."

    Scott Macpherson

  • "I'm delighted to have been asked to be a judge for the Golf Course Awards and look forward to working with my fellow judges to identify the best courses in the country, recognising the amazing work they do in providing excellent facilities and promoting the enjoyment of the game for all who play."

    Dan Walker

  • "I’m delighted to be part of the judging panel for The Golf Awards. There are many fantastic initiatives taking place up and down the country and this is a great opportunity to shine a light on this work."

    David Jones

Judging Criteria

The detailed judging criteria for each category is outlined below, but successful activity, developments and initiatives undertaken by golf courses in the 12 months leading up to the end of August 2024 will be central in all deliberations. However, judges will also consider ongoing activity, or activity that was completed within the last 5 years as part of a broader bank of evidence.

Each question set should clearly identify the kind of answers and credentials that our expert reviewers and administrators will expect to see, but if you have any further questions, please review our eligibility criteria and FAQs alongside the submissions pack.

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course design and layout

    • Maintenance and condition

    • Accessibility and commitment to progressing the game of golf

    • Amenities and services

    • Role and influence in promoting regional/national golfing landscape

    • Innovation and technology

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course design and layout

    • Maintenance and condition

    • Accessibility and commitment to progressing the game of golf

    • Amenities and services

    • Role and influence in promoting regional/national golfing landscape

    • Innovation and technology

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course design and layout

    • Maintenance and condition

    • Accessibility and commitment to progressing the game of golf

    • Amenities and services

    • Role and influence in promoting regional/national golfing landscape

    • Innovation and technology

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course design and layout

    • Maintenance and condition

    • Accessibility and commitment to progressing the game of golf

    • Amenities and services

    • Role and influence in promoting regional/national golfing landscape

    • Innovation and technology

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course design and layout

    • Maintenance and condition

    • Accessibility and commitment to progressing the game of golf

    • Amenities and services

    • Role and influence in promoting regional/national golfing landscape

    • Innovation and technology

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Innovation

    • Design excellence

    • Condition and maintenance

    • Player experience

    • Community engagement and inclusivity

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Visual appeal

    • Playability/mixture of challenges

    • Hole creativity/variety

    • Course condition

    • Fast-paced play

    • Accessibility and affordability

    • Learning opportunities

    • Community and social engagement

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Environmental policies and stewardship

    • Resource management

    • Waste management

    • Nature/biodiversity policies/conservation

    • Educational programmes

  • Category Outline:

    Recognising golf courses 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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Affordability

    • Outreach programmes

    • Diversity programmes

    • Accessibility initiatives

    • Community engagement

    • Diverse programming

    • Training and education

    • Partnerships and collaborations

    • Social responsibility

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Instruction quality

    • Safety and supervision

    • Competition and progression opportunities

    • Life skills development

    • Parental involvement and communication

    • Community impact

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Championship design

    • Resort amenities

    • Luxurious facilities and world-class service

    • Guest experience

    • Resort integration

    • Comprehensive range of resort packages

    • Signature holes

    • Entertainment and recreation

    • Resort accommodations

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Range and quality of amenities and equipment

    • Accessibility, hours of operation and convenience

    • Innovation, technology and feedback tools

    • Junior and beginner friendly

    • Practice area size and capacity

    • Instructional programmes

    • Player amenities

Key Information