The finalists for the 11 categories for the 2025 Golf Course Awards have been announced.
The Golf Course Awards, which were first launched in 2024, recognise outstanding golf courses from across Great Britain & Ireland, and are designed to connect golf courses with consumers, influencers and brands, delivering an extensive promotional campaign in the lead up to the Awards Winner Ceremony, which is scheduled to be held in London on December 4.
The initial judging process for deciding the finalists involved a panel of expert reviewers – including golfing enthusiasts, leading golf journalists, as well as subject-matter experts – who supported the awards administrators in reviewing submissions to produce a shortlist.
At this point, the GCA Judging Academy, comprising pre-eminent golf course architects, professional golfers, journalists, content creators and amateur enthusiasts, will review all finalists before announcing the winners. Each category winner will then be put forward for the flagship award – The Overall Golf Course of the Year – Great Britain & Ireland.
The annual Award Winners’ Ceremony in London, which will be hosted by Sky Sports’ Nick Dougherty, will bring together leading golf course owners and managers, PGA Professionals, retail brands, as well as golf journalists, influencers and media organisations.
Prince’s Golf Club is down to the last four for the England Golf Course of the Year Award
2025 GOLF COURSE AWARDS FINALISTS
GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR
Recognising the courses across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland offering the most exceptional overall experience, on and off the course, all the finalists have evidenced strong recent success, with a focus on design, conditioning and aesthetics, as well as innovation and accessibility.
ENGLAND
St Enodoc GC, Rock, Cornwall
Prince’s GC, Sandwich, Kent
West Sussex GC, Pulborough, West Sussex
Bearwood Lakes GC, Sindlesham, Berkshire
WALES
Royal St David’s GC
Machynys Peninsula GG & Spa
Aberdovey GC
IRELAND
Enniscrone GC, Sligo
County Sligo (Colt Course), Sligo
Royal Dublin GC, Dublin
Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Lough Erne Resort (Faldo Course), Enniskillen
SCOTLAND
Dumbarnie Links
Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
St Andrews Links (Old Course)
Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course)
Nairn GC
Close House has been shortlisted for Members Club of the Year
MEMBERS CLUB OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the golf club that delivers the most outstanding overall experience for its members. Finalists will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence across all aspects of club life — from facilities and service to community engagement, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This award celebrates clubs that go above and beyond to create a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking membership environment.
Bush Hill Park GC, Middlesex, England
Close House, Newcastle, England
Sunningdale Heath GC, Berkshire, England
Royal Ascot GC, Berkshire, England
Spey Bay GC, Moray, Scotland
Cleeve Hill is one of five clubs vying for the Affordable Excellence Award
AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Awarded to the golf course that best exemplifies exceptional quality, service, and overall playing experience, while maintaining a peak-time visitor green fee of £100 or less.
Finalists will demonstrate how they deliver excellence without exclusivity, offering impressive course standards, customer experience, and innovation at an accessible price point. Judges will look for thoughtful approaches to value, community engagement, and overall member or visitor satisfaction.
Ballyneety GC, Co Limerick, Ireland
Cleeve Hill GC, Gloucestershire, England
St Andrews Links, Eden Course, Scotland
Bowood Park Hotel & GC, Wiltshire, England
The Astbury Golf & Lodge Resort, Shropshire, England
The Machrie is in the running for Golf Resort of the Year
GOLF RESORT OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the course and resort that offers the most unique and memorable playing experience, with a resort that both complements and elevates the overall golfing experience. This award celebrates resort courses that seamlessly blend natural beauty, top-notch course design, and unparalleled hospitality to create memorable experiences for golfers and resort guests alike.
Trevose G&CC, Padstow, Cornwall
Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny, Ireland
The Grove, Hertfordshire, England
Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
Another Place, The Machrie, Islay, Scotland
GOLF RESORT OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the most innovative and inclusive indoor golf facility in the UK & Ireland. Eligible facilities include golf course practice facilities, indoor simulator venues or instruction centres.
Halwyn, Newquay, Cornwall
Pitch Wharf, Canary Wharf, London
Inner Drive Golf, New Malden, Surrey
Eagles Indoor Golf, Gloucester
SHORT COURSE OF THE YEAR
Recognising the most forward-thinking short courses, all our finalists reflect the very best alternatives to a full-length 18-hole course. Each of our finalists can boast a spectacular course, showcasing a more accessible, but equally exceptional golfing experience.
Rudding Park, Yorkshire (Repton)
Golf At Goodwood, West Sussex (The Copse)
Forbes at Kingennie Country Resort, Dundee (9-hole course)
Cowdray Estate, West Sussex (Par 3 Course)
JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR
Recognising the golf courses that have developed the most exceptional junior programmes. Each of our finalists are fully committed to inspiring, educating and empowering young golfers to develop their skills on and off the course.
Brickendon Grange GC, Hertfordshire
Royal Norwich GC, Norfolk
Sunningdale Heath GC, Berkshire
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD OF THE YEAR
Recognising the golf courses that are most committed to responsible stewardship of their natural resources. All our finalists have delivered successful, often pioneering initiatives across a range of environmental criteria.
Royal St David’s Golf Club, Harlech
West Sussex GC, West Sussex, England
The Grove, Watford, Hertfordshire, England
Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland
St Andrews Links, Fife, Scotland
For more details visit, www.golfcourseawards.com
