Portugal Retains Title as World’s Best Golf Destination in 2024 World Golf Awards

Portugal won big at the 11th annual World Golf Awards held in Madeira on 22 November 2024. The sun-kissed country was named the World’s Best Golf Destination in 2024, retaining its title from 2023 as the go-to spot for keen golfers.

Home to exceptional golf courses, whilst also being a top lifestyle destination, and boasting a high quality of life, Portugal has cemented itself as a key player and talking point amongst golf circles across the globe. Amongst the world’s premier golf spots, Portugal certainly has a seat at the table.

2024 World Golf Awards

The 2024 edition of the World Golf Awards marked an international gathering of golf industry professionals, pioneers, and golf industry leaders. The prize-giving ceremony took place at Savoy Palace in Funchal, Madeira, with the event including a two-day golf itinerary where the very best of Madeira’s golf courses were sampled.

Comporta: Home to the Best Golf Course in the World

Alongside Portugal winning the prize as the best golf destination in 2024, Terras da Comporta, on the Alentejo Coast, claimed the World’s Best Golf Course award.

Terras da Comporta is located in one of the most celebrated and sought-after spots in Europe. Comporta has sparked interest amongst high-net-worth individuals, designers, and celebrities over the years, including Christian Louboutin, who recently opened a boutique hotel in neighboring Melides called Vermelho, alongside Monica Bellucci, Carla Bruni, and George Clooney.

The stunning coastline here is famous for blending local Alentejo architecture with modern trends and embracing nature and a high quality of life. Should you visit, you’ll find this town to be unlike any other.

Madeira: World's Best Emerging Golf Destination

Madeira’s growing status as a leading golf hub was highlighted as the autonomous island nation of Portugal claimed the award for the World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination. Madeira has also proved to be a firm favorite with expats and investors seeking to capitalize on Madiera real estate.  

Palheiro Golf took home the World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse award, while the Club de Golfe Santo Da Sera stuck gold twice, winning the World’s Best Par Threehole and the World’s Best Sustainable Water Capture Course System.  

The managing director of the World Golf Awards, Chris Frost, praised Madeira as proving to be “a magnificent host for this world-class gathering of the global golf tourism industry. We have had the privilege of recognizing the leading golf courses, hotels, resorts, designers, and tour operators from across the world, and my congratulations to each of them.” 

Full List of Awards for Portugal at 2024 World Golf Awards

Portugal was hailed as the World’s Best Golf Destination again at the World Golf Awards. Portugal has a significant golf tourism market and is the proud home of some of the most outstanding golf courses in the world. The full list of awards given to Portugal at the 2024 World Golf Awards ceremony can be seen below.

• Portugal — World’s Best Golf Destination 2024
• Terras da Comporta (Portugal) – World’s Best Golf Course 2024
• Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra, Madeira (Portugal) – World’s Best Sustainable Water Capture Course System 2024
• Madeira (Portugal) – World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination 2024
• Club de Golfe Santo Da Serra, Madeira (Portugal) – World’s Best Par 3 Hole 2024
• Palheiro Golf – Madeira Island (Portugal) – World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse 2024
• Quinta do Lago (Portugal) – World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2024

Other Notable Winners

Below are some other notable winners from the 2024 World Golf Awards

• Trump Turnberry, Scotland: World’s Best Golf Hotel
• Heritage Golf Club – La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius: World Best New Golf Cours
• LIV Golf Adelaide, The Grange Golf Club: World’s Best Golf Event of 2024
• Hanoi, Vietnam: World’s Best Golf City Destination
• Costa Navarino, Greece: World’s Best Golf Venue
• Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, UAE: World’s Best Par 3 Golf Course 2024
• La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, Spain: World’s Best Halfway House 2024
• Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, UAE: World’s Best 9 Hole Golf Course 2024

Portugal: A Wonderland for Passionate Golfers

With more than 75 golf courses– with the stunning Algarve region of Portugal home to 31 of these – Portugal is a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you have been enjoying your game your entire life or are just starting out, you’ll find an array of options to test your game.

Golf goes beyond simple Portugal tourism, with many expats seeking to relocate to the country to make the most of the stunning golf greens. From golf villas and resorts to stunning golf properties by the ocean, get to grips with what the range of golf properties in Portugal. The Portuguese property market is rich and dynamic, with something to match each buyer.