The Awards

Golf Course Golf Course Awards

The Golf Course Awards is a multi-category awards programme, recognising outstanding golf courses from across Great Britain & Ireland. The Awards connects 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 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 reviewing submissions and 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 bring together leading golf course owners and managers, PGA professionals and retail brands, as well as sports journalists, influencers and media organisations.

The winners event will be held in London in December 2025 (provisional date - 4th December), and in upcoming years, it will rotate around the Great Britain & Ireland.

The Categories

This year, we will be recognising courses across the following categories:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Recognising modern courses that have already achieved an elite level of excellence in all departments. This category celebrates new and recently renovated courses that have improved 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.

  • Awarded to the most forward thinking short courses, with a strong focus on excitement, innovation, design and accessibility. Eligible short courses include par 3 courses, as well as 6, 9 & 12 hole courses.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Recognising individuals, initiatives and organisations committed to creating 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.

  • Awarded to the most innovative and inclusive indoor golf facility in the UK & Ireland. Eligible facilities include golf course practice facilities, indoor simulator venues or instruction centres.

  • Awarded to the golf club that delivers the most outstanding overall experience for its members. Finalists will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence across all aspects of club life — from facilities and service to community engagement, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This award celebrates clubs that go above and beyond to create a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking membership environment.

  • Awarded to a publicly owned golf course that delivers an outstanding experience, focused on long-term community value. Finalists will highlight how a municipally owned course can lead by example in accessibility, inclusivity, course standards, and local engagement. This award celebrates the vital role of municipal golf in growing the game and serving diverse communities with affordable, high-quality golf experiences.

  • Awarded to the golf course that best exemplifies exceptional quality, service, and overall playing experience, while maintaining a peak-time visitor green fee of £100 or less. Finalists will demonstrate how they deliver excellence without exclusivity, offering impressive course standards, customer experience, and innovation at an accessible price point. Judges will look for thoughtful approaches to value, community engagement, and overall member or visitor satisfaction.

*Final category names may be altered ahead of finalists announcement