We always knew it anyway, but now it’s official – Scotland is the best destination in the world in which to play golf! The nation recently received this top honour at the World Golf Awards, the first time in the ceremony’s nine years that it has been acknowledged in this way.
And it seems highly appropriate, given that golf originated from a game played on the Scottish east coast, not far from Edinburgh.
The accolades form part of the World Travel Awards, and aim to showcase excellence in golf tourism. International tour operators, journalists and golf lovers selected the winners.
Golfing in Scotland
In a separate category, Scotland has also won the title of best golfing destination in Europe, and never before has a country taken both awards in a single year.
Of course, these honours follow a massive year for the game north of the border, during which nearly 500,000 fans attended golf events. In 2022, the 150th Open took place in St Andrews, while Scotland also hosted a clutch of other tournaments, including:
- The Genesis Scottish Open
- Senior Open Presented by Roles
- Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open
- Hero Open
- AIG Women’s Open
- Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The hope is that these events will continue to attract more people to Scotland to watch golf being played at the highest level.
Chief Executive at VisitScotland Malcolm Roughead described the awards as a “fitting end to an extra special year for golf in Scotland, and fantastic recognition of all the hard work that has gone in to growing and enhancing our reputation as the Home of Golf”.
He added: “Golf tourism is a significant boost for the economy and raises Scotland’s profile on the international stage”.
Prestwick Golf Club was recognised as the best in Scotland as part of the same awards, while former Open champion and Scottish professional Paul Lawrie earned a lifetime achievement award for his work encouraging more young people to get involved in golf.
Meanwhile, Dermot Synnott of the World Golf Awards said Scotland was a ‘bucket list destination for most golfers’ worldwide.
The country offers a huge range of links and parkland options across its areas, meaning golfers of all ages and levels really are spoilt for choice.
At Mypro Golf, we were delighted to hear about this award, although not especially surprised! We’ve always loved Scotland, are very aware of what an idyllic location it is for golfers, and can’t wait to return to St Andrews this summer.
Our Open Golf Camp for juniors takes place there from July 8-15; we’ll also be running our Players’ Golf Camp three times the same month. Equally, there are two chances to join our elite Masters Camp between late July and mid-August at the Home of Golf.
Sign up now so your young player has a place on one of these camps, in a location that could hardly be more perfect for aspiring golfers.
