Judging

The judging process will initially involve a bank of expert reviewers, who will support the administrators in reviewing all 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • David Jones

    David Jones

    SkySports Broadcaster & Journalist

    David Jones is the long standing host of Sky Sports flagship football programmes Super Sunday and Monday Night Football. Trained as a news reporter, he joined Sky Sports News in 1998, working across major events including the Ryder Cup, the Olympics and football World Cups.

    David developed his love of golf in between shifts at Sky and recently dipped into single figures for the first time after a YouTube coaching series backed by the PGA. His golfing highlight to date is partnering Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald at the BMW Pro-Am at Wentworth. Having already played many of Europe’s top courses. David is on a quest to visit as many courses as possible across the UK & Ireland! David's annual charity golf day has been staged at Sunningdale, The Berkshire and The Grove among others.

  • Peter Finch

    PGA Coach & Content Creator

    Peter Finch is an internationally recognised PGA golf coach and one of the UK's leading golf content creators. For more than a decade, Peter has been at the forefront of golf's online revolution.

    Peter combines technical expertise with a deep passion for the game, offering a unique perspective on golf course design, playability, and player experience. Peter brings a fresh informed voice to the panel, grounded in professional knowledge and authentic on-courses experience.

  • Trey Niven

    Trey Niven

    PGA Pro, Sky Sports Golf Pundit, Content Creator

    Trey is a PGA Professional, golf coach, and influential content creator. A regular contributor to golf media, Trey frequently appears on Sky Sports, where he covers the PGA and LPGA Tours, offering expert analysis and insights that resonate with audiences.

    His expertise has earned him a spot among the Golf Monthly Top 50 UK Coaches, a testament to his impact and recognition in the field. Trey has also been featured in both Golf Monthly magazine and PGA publications.

  • “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 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 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 June 2025 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:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Innovation

    • Design excellence

    • Condition and maintenance

    • Player experience

    • Community engagement and inclusivity

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    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 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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Outreach initiatives

    • Diversity programmes

    • Accessibility initiatives

    • Community engagement

    • 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 indoor golf facility in the UK & Ireland. Eligible facilities include golf course practice facilities, indoor simulator venues or instruction centres.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Range and quality of amenities and equipment

    • Accessibility, hours of operation and convenience

    • Overall visitor experience

    • Innovation, technology and feedback tools

    • Junior and beginner friendly

    • Practice area size and capacity

    • Instructional programmes

    • Player amenities

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Course quality and conditioning

    • Customer experience and service

    • Affordability and accessibility

    • Innovation and resourcefulness

    • Community impact and outreach

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Member experience and satisfaction

    • Facilities and course standards

    • Competitive achievement and player development

    • Inclusivity and accessibility

    • Innovation and future-proofing

    • Sustainability and community engagement

  • Category Outline:

    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.

    Judging Criteria:

    • Accessibility and affordability

    • Course quality and maintenance

    • Community outreach and engagement

    • Inclusivity and participation growth

    • Operational excellence and innovation

    • Public service and civic pride

Key Information

FAQs
Eligibility Criteria
Judging Criteria