29 Oct 2015
Posted by Nick Martin 
The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) hosted their 16th annual awards in Tenerife on October 8th, the last night of the International Golf Travel Market, which was attended by 1400 delegates in the golf tourism industry. The awards are very prestigious as only a select few of venues and destinations receive an award. The awards are also a reminder of the 1.8 million golfers who embark on golfing holidays each year with IAGTO operators.
Golf Destination of the Year – North America: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is one of the most famous places in American golf and the South Carolina state has a strong reputation as one the top golfing regions in the world with its beautiful golf courses scattered across the 12 mile coastline. The island is a popular destination for the PGA Tour, with the RBC Heritage event played at the Harbour Town Golf Links part of the luxury Sea Pines Resort and home to the iconic lighthouse located right next to the 18th green.
Top YGT Recommendations in Hilton Head
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds, including Harbour Town Golf Links, a PGA venue- £1149 (based on four sharing a 3-bedroom apartment)
In the Know:
-There are more than 250 restaurants to enjoy in Hilton Head, expect a focus on fresh seafood such as Marlin, Shrimp & Mahi Mahi.
-Expect amiable temperatures between April & November with average highs north of 20°C degrees.
-If you fancy a day off the course, there are many activities to choose from, walking on picturesque sandy beaches to cycling along the incredible network of trails – there are more than 15,000 bikes for rent in Hilton Head so you’ll never go short of a ride.
Golf Destination of the Year – Latin America & Caribbean: Dominican Republic
One of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean; the Dominican Republic is a gem of tropical coastlines, clear blue waters, luxury resorts and spas and most importantly, stunning golf courses. The temperature is very consistent all year around between 25-28°C, providing the perfect climate for a day on the fairways.
Top YGT Recommendations in Dominican Republic
Casa De Campo Resort – The home of 3 Championship Golf courses, breathtaking ocean views and a luxury hotel. Flights, 7 Nights, 5 Rounds – £1755.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana – The perfect place to have fun both on and off the golf course. A resort filled with fun, many restaurants, an in house casino, close by to the local nightlife full of bars and clubs and a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in the name of Cana Bay. Flights, 7 Nights and UNLIMITED GOLF – £1459
In the Know:
Dominican Republic is a very popular scuba diving destination, with 70 diving centres on the island of Hispaniola. If you fancy seeing the world below including a beautiful coral reef, enrol into a PADI scuba diving course.
Dominican Republic is known for whale watch from January to March. The Samana Peninsula becomes host to 10,000 humpback whales who come to breed and enjoy the warm water. Jump on a whale watching boat and see them in action.
Golf Destination of the Year – Africa & Gulf States: Mauritius
Mauritius is a tropical paradise island surrounded by the indian ocean. Mauritius has so much to offer, Rainforests, waterfalls, white beaches and volcanoes. It is a destination for all, whether a family fun holiday or a romantic getaway. Temperatures in Mauritius do not change that much, the highs are in January at 26 C, with the lows only going to 21 C in July, allowing for perfect golfing weather.
Top YGT Mauritius Recommendations
Constance Belle Mare Plage – This luxury resort right on the beach is a perfect holiday destination. Enjoy a variety of watersports and a glass bottom boat at the resort’s doorstep. Home to two championship golf course; the Legend and the Links.
Flights, 7 Nights, 7 Rounds – £1329
Breathtaking views can be seen throughout this amazing course
Constance Prince Maurice Resort – The most luxury resort on the island, has exceptional accommodation, including suites and villas, delightful restaurants and shares the two championship golf courses with Belle Mare Plage.
Flights, 7 Nights, 7 Rounds- £1775
In the Know:
Mauritius has some of the most beautiful paradise beaches all across the island, giving many places to try water sports, scuba diving, or simply just relax in the sun.
The Mauritius food culture is so diverse with influences of the mixture of inhabitants comprising of Indian, Chinese and French people. Checking out the many street food markets is a must especially for the fresh seafood, which the island is very well known for.
Golf Destination of the Year – Asia & Australasia: Vietnam
Vietnam is an up and coming holiday destination in Southeast Asia on the South China Sea bordering Thailand. It is known for its beaches, islands, Buddhist temples, vibrant cities and delicious cuisine. In December 2015 YGT Ambassador Darren Clarke will make his Vietnam debut in the country’s first Asian Tour event. The event is played on the Bluffs Ho Tram Strip, designed by Australian great Greg Norman.
Click Here – Darren Clarke headlining Vietnam’s Ho Tram Open
Golf Resort of the Year – North America: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Florida
Arnold Palmer, one of the world’s golfers of all time is closely associated with the Orlando based club. Arnie calls the resort home, and hosts the PGA Tour event, The Bay Hill Invitational featuring the biggest names on tour. Former World No.1 Tiger Woods has won Arnie’s event an incredible 9 times. The Bay Hill Club, consists of 27 Holes in three 9 Hole loops, named the Champion, Challenger and Charger.
Top YGT Offers at Bay Hill include:
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds from £915
Click here to check out Arnie’s home course
Golf Resort of the Year – Rest of the World: Banyan The Resort Hua Hin, Thailand
Banyan The Resort, is one of the top resorts in south Asia and has won awards by Asia Golf Monthly, for its Championship golf course and first class facilities. The accommodation at the resort is traditional Thai villas giving a local and cultural ambience. There is a shuttle service between The town of Hua Hin and the resort which is only minutes away.
Top YGT Offers at Banyan The Resort
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds, BB – £1195
Enjoy seascape views across Banyan Resort.
Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year – Tasmania
Tasmania is a small island located just off the South coast of Australia, forming part of the Australian Commonwealth and only a 1 hour flight from mainland Australia.. Tasmania’s coast is known for incredible links golf and at BarnBougle located on the Northeast coast of the island, are two stunning links courses both in Australia’s top 5 courses and inspired by links of Scotland.
IAGTO Honorary Award – Michael Campbell
The 2005 US Open Champion, Michael Campbell was the IAGTO honorary award winner. He was humbled to be mentioned in the same sentence as golfing legends and previous IAGTO winners Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and the late Seve Ballesteros.
The 2016 IAGTO Sustainability Awards Winners
Golf course management has a massive focus on protecting the environment, whether it’s maximizing rainfall through drainage systems or using sustainable machinery with low CO2 emissions.
Sustainable Golf Course of the Year – Europe, Middle East & Africa: La Galian Campo de Golf, Spain.
70% of rainfall on the course can be used for irrigation. In addition the plants and shrubs planted over the golf course are known as having strong ecological value to the land. In terms of paths across the golf course, gravel is used to ensure that the buggies have stability.
Sustainable Golf Course of the Year- America’s: PGA National Resort & Spa, Florida
PGA National is home to the PGA Tour Event, Honda Classic and headquarters of PGA America. The resort received the sustainability in golf mark on the 2015 Earth Day by Golf Environment Organisation (GEO). Did you know that 100% of the courses green waste is recycled as mulch and used as organic fertilizer?
Sustainable Golf Course of the Year – Mission Hills, Haikou, China
22 stunning courses in 1 resort…
Mission Hills has been a home to the World Cup of Golf and has a incredible 22 18 hole courses in the resort. Solar panel roofed buggies are used leading to sustained energy consumption.
