The Golf Course Awards have revealed the winners of their second edition, spotlighting the clubs, courses and initiatives that are redefining excellence in the golf ecosystem.
Established to challenge traditional interpretations of what makes a great golf facility, the awards evaluate a wide range of criteria-Ffrom sustainability and accessibility to innovation, design and year-on-year improvement.
This year’s ceremony, presented by Sky Sports presenter Nick Dougherty at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, brought together 50 exceptional finalists.
Each of them had shown outstanding commitment improving the player experience and delivering imaginative new programsor make it significant improvements on and off the track.
Ballyneety crowned Golf Course of the Year 2025
In an evening marked by achievement, Ballyneety claimed two notable awards: the Award for affordable excellence and the flagship title of Golf Course of the Year 2025 in Great Britain and Ireland.
Their hand-carved stone trophy was presented by Chris Lomas from Worplesdonlast year’s overall winner – symbolizes the passing of the torch between two clubs leading the way in high-quality, accessible golf.
Historical courses that lead the future
National titles were awarded Prince’s, Aberdovey, Carnoustie and Enniscroneeach of which demonstrates how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
These legendary locations have continued to evolve and present a inspiring mix of heritage preservation and modern thinking that helps determine the future of the game.
Emerging locations that have a big impact
At the other end of the spectrum, new facilities have made their mark. Pitch yardcrowned Indoor location of the yearachieved the award 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 yearpraised by the jury for its fun, cleverly designed layout distills the entire golf experience into a shorter format without losing any of its joy or challenge.
Standing up for inclusion, sustainability and community
The awards also highlighted golf’s growing role in community well-being. The Inclusivity Award went to Golf in Society by Anthony Blackburna transformative initiative that has enriched the lives of thousands of people more than 7,000 sessions through a growing network of hubs in Great Britain and Ireland.
Are impacting some of the most vulnerable older members of society continues to grow and set a gold standard for socially conscious golf programs.
Elsewhere, West Sussex earned The Sustainability Prizesponsored by Husqvarna, in recognition of their leadership in environmentally responsible course management.
Bush Hill Park was mentioned Members Club of the Year, Royal Norwich triumphed Junior program of the yearAnd The Grove secured the title of Golf resort of the year.
Highly commended award for exceptional performance
The jury was so impressed with this year’s field of participants that they succeeded in five categories awarded the ‘Highly Commended’ distinction-reserved for cases where the margin between first and second place was exceptionally small.
St Enodoc, Cleeve Hill, Sunningdale Heath, Dumbarnie Links and Close House all received this award, further underscoring the depth of the finalists.
Assessing excellence
The winners were chosen by the esteemed Golf Course Awards Judging Academythat brought together an influential panel in 2025:
- Nick Dougherty
- Eimear McManus,
- David Jones (the British golfer),
- David Jones (Sky Sports broadcaster),
- Scott Macpherson,
- Peter Finch and
- Trey Niven.
Their combined expertise ensured a rigorous and insightful evaluation of each submission.
Looking ahead: a bigger, more powerful 2026
With additional events already planned for the spring, the Golf Course Awards are gaining momentum.
Registrations for the 2026 edition will open in Marchwith organizers encouraging clubs and facilities to stay connected via social media and by signing up to the official mailing list.
As the prizes get bigger, one message rings clear:
Excellence in golf today is defined not just by immaculate fairways or historic prestige, but by progress – by the willingness to innovateUnpleasant welcome new audienceand to take the game to the next level for future generations.
This year’s winners embody that spirit and offer a… A powerful reminder of golf’s enduring ability to inspire, unite and evolve.
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