Submissions
Submissions for The Golf Course Awards 2025 are officially open!
Following on from the success of our launch year, we are delighted to announce that we’re open for submissions for our 2025 campaign.
Submissions are open across 12 categories, including 2 new additions for 2025, the Affordable Excellence Award for those delivering excellence at an affordable price point, and the Golf Club of the Year, for those offering an unparalleled member experience.
In addition, if submitting to one or more of the 12 categories, you will also have the opportunity within your submission to make an optional nomination of a worthy golf course, individual or initiative for the following 2 categories: Municipal Course of the Year and Inclusivity Award.
The final award, GB & Ireland Golf Course of the Year, is selected from a shortlist that includes each of the category winners. The winner will be the course whose preceding year was exceptional in its ambition, achievements and overall golf experience, setting the standard for excellence in the golfing industry.
Submissions process
The two-step submissions process is easy and straightforward - simply download and fill out the question form for the relevant category or categories in your own time, and once completed, upload to the submissions portal below! Submissions will close on Sunday 29th June at 11:59pm.
We can’t wait to celebrate more great courses in our second year. Entry to the awards is free, the process is simple, and the rewards are plentiful! For successful finalists, there will be a small one-off levy of £595 to support with promotional and campaign costs. There will also be an opportunity to purchase additional marketing materials, as well as tickets to the winners ceremony in early-December.
To find out more about the submissions process or the finalist procedure, please see our supporting documents, such as our detailed FAQS here, and an overview of our judging criteria here, and eligibility guidelines here.
Step One
Please download the relevant forms below. Once you have filled out answers to all of the questions in the form offline, please save & upload the completed form to the submissions portal in Step Two below.
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England: Golf Course of the Year
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.
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Scotland: Golf Course of the Year
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.
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Wales: Golf Course of the Year
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.
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Ireland: Golf Course of the Year
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.
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Modern Classic Award (Est after 2000)
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.
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Short Course of the Year
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.
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Golf Club of the Year
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.
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Sustainability Award
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.
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Junior Golf Programme of the Year
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.
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Golf Resort of the Year
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.
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Indoor Golf Facility of the Year
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.
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Affordable Excellence Award
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.
Step Two
Once you have downloaded and populated the relevant category forms in Step One, please save and upload the completed form to the submissions portal below. If you are submitting for multiple categories, you will need to start a new submission for each category.