Over 3,700 Business Meetings Highlight Scottish Golf Tourism Week

A week cementing Scotland's position as the world's golf center officially concluded gloriously. Scottish Golf Tourism Week culminated in the prestigious Scottish Golf Tourism Awards night at the National Museum of Scotland.

The week in the capital Edinburgh radiated a strong global atmosphere. From March 10-13, the event reunited golf tourism industry partners from across the world for its ninth edition.

Over 3,700 face-to-face meetings took place, complemented by golfing agendas at iconic courses like Gullane Golf Club, North Berwick Golf Club, and Bruntsfield Links. 

The event featured exploration tours, familiarization trips, and diverse networking opportunities, with Kimpton Charlotte Square and InterContinental Edinburgh The George as primary hosts.

Since its 2016 launch, Scottish Golf Tourism Week has consistently driven growth in Scotland's golf tourism sector. 

It has generated tens of thousands of business meetings and thousands of familiarization trips while welcoming buyers from five continents.

Tour operator representatives from Canada to China, Spain, and the United States attended the 2026 edition. 

This year, over 90 Scottish businesses met with 94 international golf tour operators from more than 35 countries.

World Golf Industry Appreciation Night

Finalists, guests, and industry players gathered for a celebration spotlighting Scotland's golf excellence through the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards. 

From Golf Courses to clubhouses, hotels to off-course experiences, this event comprehensively honored the birthplace of the Sport of Golf.

The awards recognize outstanding achievements in Scotland's golf tourism industry by acknowledging the finest courses, hotels, and experiences that cement its reputation as a world-class destination.

Owen Wyatt, Chief Growth Officer of organizer DC Thomson, emphasized the sector's significance.

“I deeply care about tourism in Scotland because it sustains communities, jobs, and local economies nationwide. At DC Thomson, seriously understanding Scotland's economy requires seriously understanding its driving sectors,” he stated.

Hosted by BBC sports broadcaster Jason Mohammad, the awards night honored 15 winners and three highly commended recipients across categories. Winners were selected by an independent panel of golf and tourism industry judges.

Scottish Golf Tourism Awards 2026 Winners List

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel (3-star): Abbotsford Hotel Ayr

Best Premium Hotel (4-star): Another Place, The Machrie

Best Luxury Hotel (5-star): Old Course Hotel, St Andrews
Highly Commended: Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire

Best Exclusive Venue: Gilmerton House, North Berwick

Best Community Golf Course: MacKenzie Championship Course, Aberdeen
Highly Commended: Dunnikier Park Golf Course, Kirkcaldy

Best 9-Hole Course: Milnathort Golf Club, Kinross

Best Course Under £100: Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso

Best £100–£200 Course: Cruden Bay Golf Club
Highly Commended: Murcar Links, Aberdeen

Best £200+ Course: The Carnoustie Championship Course

Best Clubhouse: Castle Stuart Golf Links at Cabot Highlands, Inverness

Best Pro Shop: Nairn Golf Club

Best Golf Marketing Campaign: St Andrews Links – Old Course Reversed

Best Sustainability Project: St Andrews Links

Best Off-Course Experience: The Hickory Golf Workshop

Best Tour Operator: Pioneer Golf

With expanding global participation and elevated organization, Scottish Golf Tourism Week reaffirmed its status as a premier platform in the world's golf sports and tourism industry.(golfbusinessnews)