Ireland nominated top golf destination

Ireland has been nominated top golf destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Ireland attracts over 240,000 golfers from the across the globe each year and was voted top destination by the Association which represents 145 members in 28 countries.

Countries were rated on customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, professional conduct of suppliers, support from the local tourism industry and accessibility to tee times.

Speaking afterwards, Padraig Harrington said : “I’m not surprised at this latest recognition for Irish golf. I play all over the World and in my experience Ireland’s whole golfing package in terms of choice and quality of courses, combined with that distinctive Irish welcome, is something special”.

Ireland generates close to €200m annually from golfing tourism

The breakdown of visitors into Ireland shows approximately 153,600 from the UK; 45,600 from the USA; 40,800 from continental Europe and 6% or 14,400, representing the rest of the world.

Ireland has over 400 golf courses including one third of the world’s links courses.