The Irish golf community gathered this week for the prestigious Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards dinner, a landmark event held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort, which celebrated the country’s exceptional contributions to the sport of golf.
Attended by influential figures from Ireland’s golfing world, the evening honoured some of the finest golf courses, clubs, and industry professionals who have set new standards of excellence in the past year.
The event, renowned for recognising and promoting Ireland’s premier golf destinations, drew a vibrant mix of golf enthusiasts, club managers, course designers, and media representatives.
Over 130 people from various clubs and resorts attended, contributing to the lively and celebratory atmosphere and this year’s awards featured categories spanning Golf Resort, Parkland, Links, Hidden Gem and 9 hole courses, Clubhouse, Best Customer Experience, and Boutique Hotel Awards.
Highlighting Excellence
Cormac Devlin, TD recently re elected to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown constituency spoke of the importance of Golf Tourism to the economy and the many thousands employed in the Golf industry. He underlined the Governments continuing investment in the Irish Open both Men[‘s and Women’s events and of course the excitement building for the Ryder Cup in Adare Manor in 2027.
An Evening of Celebration and Reflection
The Awards were presented from the Tipperary Crystal Rosemont Suite, with each winner receiving a personalised crystal vase with total of 28 awards distributed across various categories,.
Guests enjoyed pre dinner drinks of Prosecco, Whiskey Sour and Gin & Tonics courtesy of Diageo and Comans and Clonakilty Distillery had minis of their Malt Whiskey on the tables for everyone to enjoy.
The evening ended with a Q&A session with Guest of Honour, former Ryder Cup Vice Captain and multiple winner on what was The European Tour, Des Smyth, from nearby Laytown & Bettystown Links who shared great insights to his fantastic career.
“The Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards Dinner is more than just an awards event; it is a celebration of our shared passion for the sport and the people who strive to elevate Irish golf on the global stage,” said Paddy McCarthy.
“We are proud to honour the commitment and creativity that contribute to making Ireland one of the most sought-after golf destinations worldwide.”
For more information about the awards and winners visit www.golfersguide.ie
2024 Award Winners:
Links: Portsalon, Seapoint, Ceann Sibeal, Connemara
Parkland: Royal Belfast, Hermitage, Limerick, Ballinrobe, Tullamore
Resort: Roe Park, Druids Glen, Trump Doonbeg, Castle Dargan
9 Hole: Cruit Island, Rush, Ross GC, Ashford Castle
Hidden Gem: Letterkenny, Greenore, Edmondstown, Tipperary
Clubhouse: Hollywood Lakes
Service: Killeen Castle
Boutique Hotel: Bishop’s Gate Hotel Derry
Stay & Play: Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort
