The 28th Annual Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) Conference and Gala Irish Golf Awards took centre stage at the prestigious K Club in County Kildare, celebrating another landmark year for Irish golf tourism.
The two-day event brought together industry leaders from every corner of the Irish golf tourism sector. Tour Operators, Golf Clubs, Resorts, Hotels and Transport Providers all gathered to network, strategize, and honour the best in the business.
A Vital Industry Gathering
The annual IGTOA Conference has become a cornerstone event in the Irish golf tourism calendar. As the 2025 season winds down, this year’s gathering was in high demand, with strong engagement across all sessions.
Themed “Staying On Course”, the conference addressed the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. Renowned economist Jim Power delivered a keynote on the wider economic landscape and its implications for tourism, while AI and digital transformation expert Ciaran Connolly provided real-world demonstrations of how emerging technologies can drive growth and innovation in golf tourism businesses.
Of course, no IGTOA conference would be complete without a round of golf, and this year’s venue did not disappoint. Attendees teed it up on The K Club’s famous Palmer North Course, home of the 2006 Ryder Cup and recent remarkable Rory McIlroy victory at the Irish Open.
Adding purpose to the play, this year’s golf day featured a charitable twist with the “Play in Pink” initiative in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. Embracing the motto “Play for Good and Play for Fun,” participants wore vibrant pink outfits, bringing colour, energy and a strong sense of community to the green.
Celebrating Excellence in Irish Golf Tourism
The highlight of the event, as always, was the Gala Irish Golf Awards, a black-tie celebration honouring outstanding contributions across the industry. Hosted by beloved broadcaster Des Cahill, the awards recognised excellence, innovation, and service from individuals and organisations working to make Ireland a world-class golf destination.
2025 Gala Irish Golf Awards Winners
The Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf: Mark Nolan, Dromoland Castle
Golf Manager of the Year: Paul Vaughan, Ardglass Golf Club
Links Golf Course of the Year: Tralee Golf Club
Parkland Golf Course of the Year: Killeen Castle Golf Club
Boutique Property of the Year: Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch
Large Golf Hotel of the Year: The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin
Service Excellence Award: Royal Dublin Golf Club
Sustainability Award: The Brehon Hotel
Irish Golfer were delighted to be in attendance as Media Partner for the event.
The IGTOA would like to thank all attendees, speakers, sponsors, and supporters who made the 2025 event such a success. Special appreciation goes to The K Club and event organiser BEM Ireland for their exceptional contributions.
We now look forward with excitement to what lies ahead for Irish golf tourism, and of course, to the 2026 event in The Rose Hotel Tralee, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa and Tralee Golf Club, which promises to be even bigger and better.
Event Sponsors
The K Club, Into Kildare, Kildare County Council Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Flywire, Executive Helicopters, Kinsale Spirits, Hertz, Wildan Sports & Turtleson, Eno Wine, Match Play Media, iDirect Productions, The Buggyman, and media partners Irish Golfer Magazine.