Tag: Golf

20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

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. https://www.youtube.com/watc...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

A guide to golf in Dubai

Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier golf tourism destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs to its sun-drenched fairways. What was once desert terrain has been transformed into a golfer’s paradise, where championship courses designed by legends of the game sit alongside cutting-edge entertainment venues and luxurious resorts. The city’s year-round warm climate, stunning skyline backdrops, and exceptional hospitality make it an irresistible choice for anyone looking to combine sport with leisure. At the heart of Dubai’s appeal is its role as a regular stop on the men’s DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), with prestigious events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and season-ending DP World Tour Championship draw...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

MENA Golf Tour relaunches with Keith Waters as chairman and commissioner

The MENA Golf Tour makes its anticipated return in 2025 with former DP World Tour chief operating officer and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) board member Keith Waters appointed as chairman and commissioner. Waters’ extensive experience and strategic leadership are expected to significantly elevate the Tour’s status and influence.  Established in 2011, the MENA Golf Tour remains the only OWGR-recognised circuit headquartered in the Middle East, providing vital opportunities for professional golfers from the region and around the globe. The addition of Waters, who brings more than 40 years of expertise developing the DP World Tour and was instrumental in founding the OWGR in 2004, is set to be transformative.  “I’m delighted to be involved in the relaunch of the MENA Gol...

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4Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Golf Tourism South Africa launches to promote golf travel across the country

A new era for South African tourism has begun with the launch of Golf Tourism South Africa (GTSA), currently the only national platform solely focused on promoting golf tourism across the country. Registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), GTSA brings together the golf, travel, wine, hospitality, and lifestyle industries under one collaborative umbrella – with the mission of positioning South Africa as a world-class golf tourism destination. GSTA has been founded by Cuthbert Simphiwe Ncube, chair of the African Tourism Board, global tourism leader, and GTSA director; Charlene Thomson, founder of We Women Golf Magazine, golf tourism expert, and GTSA co-visionary; and Lynnqwinda Scott, founder of Visit Africa, digital marketing strategist with more than 20 years in tourism, branding, and...

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22Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

A guide to Camiral – host resort of golf’s Ryder Cup in 2031

Formerly the PGA Catalunya, Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort is a world-class golf and wellness resort between Girona, the Costa Brava beaches and Barcelona. Home to two championship courses and a PGA National Academy, Camiral has been selected to the 2031 Ryder Cup – a prestigious return of the tournament to Spain after 34 years. Camiral’s selection marks Spain’s second time hosting the men’s golf team event between Europe and the US since Valderrama in 1997. According to reports, the event is predicted to have an economic impact of more than €1.3 billion and attract 300,000 visitors to the region. One of Europe’s most acclaimed golf destinations, Camiral has hosted multiple DP World Tour events, including the Open de España and the Final Stage of the Qualifying School. Its world-r...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Somabay: sport and adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea

Located on a private peninsula along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Somabay is a luxury destination resort offering year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and world-class amenities just 45 minutes from Hurghada International Airport. The resort is home to a collection of top-tier accommodations, including The Cascades Golf Resort, Kempinski Soma Bay, Sheraton Soma Bay, and The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge, each offering distinct styles – from family-friendly luxury to boutique surf culture.  A haven for active travellers, Somabay offers golf on a Gary Player-designed course, diving at its pristine house reef, and perfect kitesurfing conditions. Wellness is central, too, with the expansive Cascades Spa & Thalasso offering rejuvenation through hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy...

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9Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Elevate Golf: Northern Ireland to host golf tourism event in 2026 

Golf tourism’s newest B2B event Elevate Golf is to be held in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2026. Taking place from 25-30 October, Elevate Golf 2026 will see the finest golf courses, resorts and accommodation providers connect with high-class international tour operators during tailor-made appointments, and in more casual surroundings on the golf course and at evening receptions. Elevate Golf – which will be in its third edition in 2026 – is held in two stages, with the first half of the six-day event in Northern Ireland. Here, a carefully selected pool of the best golf tour operators from across the globe will be hosted at the luxurious Galgorm Resort in County Antrim, experiencing the hotel's premium hospitality. Leanne Thorpe, director of Elevate Golf, said: “At Elevate ...

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22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa, Sicily

The recently launched Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa in Sicily is a must‑visit for sports travellers seeking a blend of heritage and activity. Its 18‑hole, par‑71 championship golf course offers a memorable and challenging experience for both seasoned golfers and newcomers.  After a round of golf, guests can relax in the resort’s spa, take a dip in one of the pools, or stay active with fitness and cycling. Just moments from Siracusa’s historic sights and beaches, this resort delivers the ideal balance of sport, relaxation, and exploration. History Set amid fragrant citrus orchards just outside Siracusa, a UNESCO World Heritage city, this enchanting 102‑room resort is a serene and captivating retreat.  Its rich heritage stretches from its beginnings as ...

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16Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Austrian Alpine Open: Kitzbühel to host DP World Tour golf event in 2026

The DP World Tour is making its way to Kitzbühel in 2026, with the Austrian Alpine Open setting the stage for a new era of alpine golf. Following its successful debut at Gut Altentann, the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 will be held at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course, marking a significant milestone for Austrian sport and year-round tourism in Tyrol.“The DP World Tour is, next to the PGA Tour, the world’s largest professional golf series,” said Karin Seiler, managing director of Tyrol Tourism. “We’re therefore very pleased to have brought this international sporting event to our region in cooperation with SalzburgerLand – and to have Kitzbühel, an experienced partner with an outstanding golf offering, on board. By hosting the event in early summer, we are strengthening the shoulder ...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Ireland: major winners and world-class courses

After a dramatic final play-off, Rory McIlroy became the first golfer from the island of Ireland to win The Masters – and only the sixth ever in the history of the game to win the Grand Slam of all four men’s majors (The Masters, US PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship). For a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland is a powerhouse when it comes to golf, with McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry all recent major winners.  With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, it’s not surprising that Northern Ireland is where McIlroy first honed his skills. McIlroy first joined Holywood Golf Club at the age of seven, becoming the club’s youngest ever member. Set high in the Holywood Hills of Count...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Cambodia wins IAGTO’s Asia Pacific golf destination of the year award

At the 25th annual IAGTO Asia Pacific Awards in Danang, Cambodia was announced as the winner of the Asia Pacific Golf Destination of the Year award, while Sri Lanka picked up the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year award for the Asia Pacific region.  The golf tourism industry’s celebrated IAGTO Awards are voted for by IAGTO’s (the International Association of Golf Tour Operators) 700-plus golf tour operators in 69 countries who nominate destinations, golf resorts and golf courses that delivered the best possible experience for their golf travelling clients in the past 12 months at the time of voting.  Golf Course of the Year Awards were presented to the golf course receiving the most votes in each of five South-East Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand...

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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 Walto...

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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 featur...

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29Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf Dubai: here’s where to watch The Masters in Dubai

Five Iron Golf Dubai, the world-renowned leader in indoor golf and entertainment, will be hosting special watch parties for The Masters – the first men’s golf major championship of the season taking place from 10-13 April 2025.  From On the Range and Amen Corner to featured groups and the main broadcast, all the action from Augusta National will be shown live on the big screens at Five Iron Golf Dubai. Golf fans can also enjoy food and drink from Five Iron’s exclusive ‘Masters Menu’, which will be available all week from 7-13 April 2025 and includes Masters-themed items such as the legendary pimento cheese sandwiches and Azalea cocktails.  Situated on the grounds of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, the largest Five Iron in the world spans more th...

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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 “...

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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: ...

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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. Additionall...

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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 golf...

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26Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Golf events 2025 calendar: Ryder Cup, majors and biggest tournaments

In this golfing guide we look at the dates for the biggest golf events taking place in 2025 – starting with the Ryder Cup in September, followed by the four men’s major championships, the five women’s majors, plus the main tournaments on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour/European Tour. We also pick out some of the important golf industry events, exhibitions and conferences that are scheduled for 2025. Ryder Cup 2025 When: 26-28 September 2025 Where: Bethpage Black Course, NY, USA Website: rydercup.com/2025 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 evens on the 2025 sporting calendar. After their 16½-11½ defeat against Team Europe in Rome in...

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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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