Kerry celebrates as Waterville links named top golf course

Waterville has been named as the country’s best golf course for 2014 at a glittering global golf awards night in the Algarve.

The famed Kerry links was honoured along with the K Club, named Ireland best golf hotel.

Portugal took the title of world’s Best Golf Destination at the inaugural World Golf Awards at the Conrad Hotel in the Algarve.

The only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the golf hospitality industry, the event also saw St Andrews Links — Old Course recognised as the World’s Best Golf Course, while The Els Club Teluk Datai was awarded the honour of World’s Best New Golf Course.

In two special presentations, Peter Alliss was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to the Golf Industry, while victorious European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley was awarded the honour of Golf Personality of the Year.

The Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa took the title of World’s Best Golf Hotel, while World’s Best Golf Tour Operator went to Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions.

Elsewhere, voters awarded the title of Caribbean’s Best Golf Destination to Dominican Republic, while Europe’s Best New Golf Course went to the newly renovated Quinta do Lago — North Course.

The presentation of the awards was the centrepiece of a three-day itinerary for the event, which saw guests enjoy some of the world-class facilities on offer at the famous Quinta do Lago Resort.

Best Golf Destination: Portugal;

Best Golf Course: St Andrews Links — Old Course (Scotland);

Best New Golf Course: The Els Club Teluk Datai;

Best Golf Hotel: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (USA);

Golf Personality: Paul McGinley;

Lifetime Achievement: Peter Alliss;

Europe’s Best New Golf Course: Quinta do Lago — North Course;

Europe’s Best Golf Hotel: Terre Blanche Hôtel Spa Golf Resort (France);

Ireland’s Best Golf Course: Waterville Golf Links;

Ireland’s Best Golf Hotel: The Kildare Hotel, at The K Club;

Ireland’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator: Golf Vacations Ireland;

Ireland’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator: Bmi Sports