It is estimated there are 50 million golfers in the world and now they have a newly discovered destination for tee time according to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).
Tasmania has been named the 'Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year' by over 200 of the world's leading golf travel journalists across 36 countries.
It is not the first time Tasmania’s golf courses have received accolades, with Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm courses rated in the World’s Top 25 courses by Golf Digest. Both courses feature dramatic dunes, following the contours of Tasmania’s north east coast in true links-course style. In fact both courses are leading courses in the Great Golf Courses of Australia.
Chief Executive of Tourism Tasmania, John Fitzgerald said the accolade was a welcome acknowledgement of Tasmania’s growing world-class golf offering.
“Recent developments have certainly raised awareness of Tasmania as a golfing destination. However, I believe it is our incredible natural features, heritage, world-class produce, wines, beers and whiskies, and the welcoming and engaging nature of our people that have elevated our island’s status as a golfing destination that surpasses every serious golfer’s expectations,” he said.
IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “Tasmania richly deserves being named Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in the 2016 IAGTO Awards. To earn such an accolade is no mean feat. The winner is voted for by members of the International Golf Travel Writers Association, which is administered by IAGTO.
“There are more than 200 members in 36 countries around the world, and these are journalists who are at the cutting edge of golf tourism trends. Where they go, golf travellers follow, spurred on by the prospect of discovering a new gem after reading about it in respected golf publications or online.
"Tasmania is now well and truly on the global golfing map thanks to this award and I am sure it will result in an increase in golfers from other parts of the world wanting to play the lush fairways and greens of this pristine island,” he said.
Tasmania was announced as the World’s Undiscovered Golf Destination at the 2016 IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, selected from over 60 international destinations. Judges based their decision on criteria including the extent of which the golfing destination is undiscovered, attractiveness of the region and courses, speed of play, climate and accessibility.
