The Golf Course Awards have unveiled the winners of their second edition, spotlighting the clubs, courses, and initiatives redefining excellence across the golfing ecosystem.
Established to challenge traditional interpretations of what makes a great golf facility, the awards evaluate a wide range of criteria—from sustainability and accessibility to innovation, design, and year-on-year improvement.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Nick Dougherty at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, brought together 50 exceptional finalists.
Each had demonstrated an outstanding commitment to enhancing the player experience, delivering imaginative new programmes, or making significant on- and off-course improvements.
Ballyneety Crowned Golf Course of the Year 2025
In a night defined by achievement, Ballyneety claimed two standout honours: the Affordable Excellence Award and the flagship title of Great Britain & Ireland’s Golf Course of the Year 2025.
Their hand-carved stone trophy was presented by Chris Lomas of Worplesdon, last year’s overall winner—symbolising a passing of the torch between two clubs leading the way in accessible, high-quality golf.
Historic Courses Leading the Future
National titles were awarded to Prince’s, Aberdovey, Carnoustie, and Enniscrone, each demonstrating how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
These storied venues have continued to evolve, showcasing an inspiring blend of heritage preservation and modern thinking that is helping define the game’s future.
Emerging Venues Making a Bold Impact
At the opposite end of the spectrum, new facilities made their mark. Pitch Wharf, crowned Indoor Venue of the Year, achieved the accolade just 10 months after opening, setting a new benchmark for social, urban golf experiences.
Meanwhile, the Repton Short Course at Rudding Park earned Short Course of the Year, praised by judges for its fun, cleverly-designed layout that distills the full golfing experience into a shorter format without losing any of its joy or challenge.
Championing Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community
The awards also highlighted golf’s growing role in community wellbeing. The Inclusivity Award went to Anthony Blackburn’s Golf in Society, a transformative initiative that has enriched the lives of thousands through more than 7,000 sessions across a growing network of hubs in Great Britain & Ireland.
Its impact on some of the most vulnerable older members of society continues to expand, setting a gold standard for socially conscious golf programmes.
Elsewhere, West Sussex earned The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Husqvarna, recognising their leadership in environmentally responsible course management.
Bush Hill Park was named Members Club of the Year, Royal Norwich triumphed with Junior Programme of the Year, and The Grove secured the title of Golf Resort of the Year.
Highly Commended Honours for Exceptional Performance
The judging academy was so impressed with this year’s field that in five categories, they awarded “Highly Commended” recognition—reserved for instances where the margin between first and second place was exceptionally narrow.
St Enodoc, Cleeve Hill, Sunningdale Heath, Dumbarnie Links, and Close House all received this distinction, further underscoring the depth of quality across the finalists.
Judging Excellence
Winners were selected by the esteemed Golf Course Awards Judging Academy, which in 2025 brought together an influential panel:
- Nick Dougherty,
- Eimear McManus,
- David Jones (The UK Golf Guy),
- David Jones (Sky Sports Broadcaster),
- Scott Macpherson,
- Peter Finch and
- Trey Niven.
Their combined expertise ensured a rigorous and insightful evaluation of every submission.
Looking Ahead: A Bigger, Bolder 2026
With additional events already planned for the spring, the Golf Course Awards are gathering momentum.
Submissions for the 2026 edition will open in March, with organisers encouraging clubs and facilities to stay connected through social media and by joining the official mailing list.
As the awards grow, one message rings clear:
Excellence in golf today is not defined solely by immaculate fairways or historic prestige, but by progress—by the willingness to innovate, to welcome new audiences, and to elevate the game for future generations.
This year’s winners embody that spirit, offering a powerful reminder of golf’s enduring ability to inspire, unite, and evolve.