Egypt makes history as World Golf Awards crowns world's best golf brands of 2026 at Madinaty Golf Club

Sun 08 November 2026

World Golf Awards, the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism, has revealed its 2026 winners at its 13^th annual Gala Ceremony. Hosted at Egypt’s Madinaty Golf Club, the event marked the first World Golf Awards to take place in Africa.

The Gala Ceremony formed the climax of a golfing itinerary that included the World Golf Awards Classic, played on Madinaty’s 18-hole Championship Course. Owned by TMG Golf and managed by Troon, Madinaty Golf Club sits within the master-planned city of Madinaty on the eastern edge of New Cairo.

Winners included Portugal, which won the title of ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’, while its Silver Coast claimed ‘World's Best Emerging Golf Destination’. Mission Hills Haikou, China, was voted ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’.

Scotland made a strong showing. Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen, won ‘World’s Best 36 Old & New Course’. At Trump Turnberry Resort, Trump’s Twelve was named ‘World’s Best Par 3 Golf Course’ and The Lighthouse took ‘World’s Best Halfway House’.

ION 54 was voted ‘Golf Business of the Year’. Fairways and FunDays won ‘World’s Best Golf Tour Operator’. PING took ‘World’s Best Golf Club Brand’ and FootJoy ‘World’s Best Golf Shoe Brand’. The ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ went to Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose designs span more than 300 courses in over 50 countries across six continents.

Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “Bringing World Golf Awards to Africa for the first time was a landmark moment for us, and Egypt proved a magnificent host. Madinaty Golf Club gave us a championship course, superb hospitality and a warm welcome for the leaders of golf tourism from around the world. My congratulations go to every winner.”

Omar Hisham Talaat, Chief Business Development Officer, TMG, said: “Hosting the 13th annual World Golf Awards at Madinaty Golf Club has been a truly proud and historic moment, not only for TMG Golf but for Egypt and the African continent. Welcoming this prestigious international event to Africa for the very first time demonstrates Egypt’s ability to host world-class sporting occasions and deliver exceptional experiences on the global stage.

"The success of this event reflects our continued commitment to excellence, our investment in world-class sporting and hospitality infrastructure, and our vision to position Madinaty Golf Club among the world’s leading golf destinations. We are particularly proud to have welcomed distinguished guests and industry leaders from across the international golfing community, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand the quality of our championship course, our facilities and the warmth of Egyptian hospitality.

"This is more than a successful event; it is another important milestone in establishing Egypt as a premier international golf tourism destination. We believe this achievement will open the door to further prestigious international events, strengthen Egypt’s position on the global golfing map and create lasting opportunities for the country’s sports and tourism sectors.

"I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the World Golf Awards, the leadership and management of TMG for their continued vision, commitment and investment in developing world-class destinations, Troon, our valued partners, and the entire Madinaty Golf Club team for their outstanding dedication and professionalism in delivering an event of such international significance. This achievement is a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved and reinforces our ambition to position Egypt among the world’s leading golf and tourism destinations.”

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s favourite golf tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by golf industry professionals, the media and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category named the winner.

For more information about World Golf Awards 2026, visit worldgolfawards.com and for a full list of winners visit worldgolfawards.com/winners/2026.

Notes to Editors

World Golf Awards celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Launched in 2014, World Golf Awards aims to drive up standards within the golf tourism industry by rewarding the organisations that are leaders in their field. World Golf Awards is the sister organisation of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 33^rd anniversary. For more information visit worldgolfawards.com.