2026 Logox

Vilamoura, Portugal

23rd - 25th November 2026

Global Partner_Two Tier

 

About The Event

Golf • Education • Networking • Awards

Our second annual Global Awards Ceremony, will unite industry leaders from around the world, in the gorgeous Vilamoura.

Once again we will come together to network, share, inspire and celebrate everything that 'great' symbolises in the Golf & Hospitality Industry.

And, as night falls on the second day over the stunning Algarve, we will crown our leading Global Managers of the year, unveil the 2026 Signature Collection and welcome our newest members of the Eminent Collection.

 

Event Itinerary

3 Inspirational Days of Golf, Education, Networking & Celebration

Monday 23rd November, 2026

Arrival day: with golf after check in, followed by evening networking.

Day 1 - 13:00 Check in

9 Holes & Networking

Check in will be followed by 9 holes on the stunning Pinhal Golf Course, Vilamoura.
pinhal course-1
Day 1 - 13:00 Check in
Day 1 - 19:30

Evening Drinks Reception and Q&A

Join us in the clubhouse at Pinhal Golf Course for our welcome drinks reception, followed by an insightful Q&A featuring our special guests.
 
As the evening unfolds, our networking will continue from 10pm back at the Hilton Vilamoura - our home for our time together in the Algarve. 
pinhal clubhouse-1
Day 1 - 19:30

Tuesday 24th November

The main event, with golf on the Old Course, and an afternoon of education.

And, as the sun sets over the stunning Algarve, all attention turns to our glittering Global Awards gala dinner.

Day 2 - 7:30

Global Golf Challenge

All nationalities, handicaps, and business operation styles will come together on the course as we prepare to take on the iconic Old Course. (Format, pairings and tee times will be shared closer to the event). 

the old course-1
Day 2 - 7:30
Day 2 - Morning

Education Morning

Our delegates will join forces for our unique education seminars, which in true 59club style, promise to inspire and ignite the passion to succeed as we tackle those tough topics together - offering global insights and fresh perspectives.
education morning
Day 2 - Morning
Day 2 - Lunch

Networking Lunch

We'll all come together (golfers & delegates) to share lunch after a morning of education seminars/golf, with plenty of time to network with friends new and old. 

lunch
Day 2 - Lunch
Day 2 - Afternoon

Education Afternoon

After lunch, we'll all head back to the education seminar together (golfers & delegates) for an afternoon of discovery and learning.
education afternoon
Day 2 - Afternoon
Day 2 - Evening

Global Awards Gala Dinner

As dusk begins to settle, join us for our welcome drinks reception before all attention turns to the global stage as we welcome our Regional Champions and prepare to unveil our Global Winners. 
awards 1
Day 2 - Evening
Day 2 - Evening
We open the evening as we crown our Global Managers of Year across Golf Management, Golf Operations, Agronomy, Retail & Food & Beverage, having qualified through their Regional Service Excellence Awards.
global manager
Day 2 - Evening
Our spotlight will then shine brightly over the 2026 Signature Collection as we celebrate the latest properties at the pinnacle of excellence, having previously been awarded a Gold Flag Designation at their Regional Awards. 
signature
Day 2 - Evening
And finally, we will welcome the latest members of the Eminent Collection, 59club’s ultimate accolade that recognises the finest properties & leaders in the world of golf for their consistent delivery of service excellence across a minimum of 5 years.
eminent
Day 2 - Evening

Wednesday 25th November

Departure day with breakfast & networking and optional golf.

Day 3 - Morning

Networking Breakfast

We will close our event and time together with a networking breakfast, guaranteed to leave everyone invigorated and prepared to take on the next challenge back at their home club. 

breakfast
Day 3 - Morning
Day 3 - Morning

Optional Golf

For those with late departures, golf can be arranged on request at one of Details' beautiful courses.

optional golf
Day 3 - Morning

 

Education Sessions

We pride ourselves on bringing big conversations & opportunities to the table and addressing them with industry experts, collaborative discussions, and data driven insights. 

Day 1

“Golf is Trending Where?”
7:30pm - 9:30pm - Pinhal Clubhouse
The educational element of the event starts here with a panel discussion titled “Golf is Trending Where?”.
 
Our panellists will share their perspectives on the forces reshaping the golf industry, from changing consumer expectations and participation trends to emerging revenue opportunities and evolving membership models. Delegates will gain valuable insights into how leading venues are adapting to attract new audiences, increase engagement, and future-proof their businesses.
 
We will then open the discussion to the audience, creating an interactive forum to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore what the next decade could look like for golf around the world.
 
This session closes with an insightful Q&A featuring our special guests.

Day 2

Morning Session: For the non-golfing guests, 59club will host a series of roundtable groups made up of venues from around the globe.
Industry Roundtable
10am–12.30pm – Hilton Hotel
Guided by a selection of topics to be debated and discussed, these collaborative discussions provide a unique opportunity to benchmark challenges, share best practices, and discover innovative solutions being implemented by leading hospitality and leisure businesses worldwide.
Afternoon Session: An opening presentation from 59club will kick off our educational afternoon before we move into four distinct sessions designed to tackle some of the most pressing operational and commercial opportunities facing clubs and resorts today.
Session 1: The Workforce – Skills Shortage or Lack of Focus?
1.30pm–2pm – Hilton Hotel
59club will lead this session using data gathered through club studies and feedback from GMs around the world. We believe there is an issue, but one that can be solved by thinking differently and addressing the needs of today’s workforce.
Session 2: Water – Feast, Famine and Ownership
2pm–3.10pm – Hilton Hotel
Water is rapidly becoming one of the most significant challenges facing golf facilities worldwide. From drought restrictions and rising costs to sustainability targets and stakeholder expectations, the way clubs manage water will play a critical role in their future success.
 
We have assembled a panel of respected agronomists from around the world who will share real-world experiences from their regions, highlighting the innovative strategies, technologies, and management practices being used to secure water resources while maintaining course quality. The session concludes with an open-floor discussion and audience Q&A.
Session 3: Loyalty – Bought or Earned?
3.20pm–4.10pm – Hilton Hotel
In an increasingly competitive marketplace, organisations are investing heavily in loyalty programmes, but what truly drives long-term customer commitment? Is loyalty something that can be purchased through rewards and incentives, or is it earned through exceptional experiences and emotional connections?
 
This engaging session will explore the psychology behind customer retention, the role of data-driven loyalty schemes, and how leading organisations are creating advocates rather than simply repeat customers. Delegates will leave with practical ideas to strengthen relationships, increase spend, and build lasting commercial value.
Session 4: The Business of Putting
4.20pm–5.15pm – Hilton Hotel
What if one of your most underutilised assets could become one of your most profitable? This session explores how putting facilities, practice areas, and underused indoor spaces can be transformed into vibrant commercial opportunities.
 
From alternative membership categories and coaching programmes to social experiences, entertainment concepts, and food and beverage integration, our speakers will showcase innovative examples of how clubs are generating new revenue streams, increasing participation, and attracting entirely new customer segments. Expect practical ideas that can be adapted regardless of venue size or market.

Day 3

The Making of Leaders
8.15am–9am – Hilton Hotel
Our final session combines expert insight with panel discussion to examine one of the industry's greatest challenges: developing the next generation of leaders.
 
Together, we will explore the qualities that define effective leadership in modern hospitality and golf businesses, the barriers preventing talented individuals from progressing, and the strategies organisations can implement to identify, nurture, and retain future leaders. Delegates will gain valuable perspectives on building stronger teams, creating leadership pathways, and fostering cultures that inspire long-term success.

 

Service Excellence Awards

Regional Excellence Qualifying for Global Titles

Leading individuals and properties from across our annual Regional Service Excellence Awards ceremonies are in contention for prestigious global accolades. Explore those vying for their place on the 59club global podium...

We're delighted to announce 59club USA's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Golf Manager of the Year
Andy Deyo, The River Club

Golf Operations Manager of the Year
Chip Spiler, The River Club

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Private Club)
Lane Singleton, Reynolds Lake Oconee

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Resort)
Chris Zugel, Whistling Straits

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Public Course)
Chris Bien, Desert Willow Golf Resort

Retail Manager of the Year
Brian Lind, Desert Willow Golf Resort

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year
Keith Sansone, Desert Willow Golf Resort

Gold Flag Venues
Whistling Straits
Blackwolf Run
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Reynolds Lake Oconee
TPC Sawgrass

We're delighted to announce 59club Canada's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Golf Manager of the Year (Private Club)
Ryan Woods, Pinebrook Golf & Country Club

Golf Manager of the Year (Destination)
Steven Young, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club

Golf Operations Manager of the Year
Andrew Szewczuk, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club

Golf Superintendent of the Year
Mike van Sickle, Royal Ottawa Golf Club

Retail Manager of the Year
Andrew Szewczuk, Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year
Ryan Kernaghan, Pinebrook Golf & Country Club

Gold Flag Venues
Cataraqui Golf & Country Club
Essex Golf & Country Club
Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club
La Vallee du Richelieu Golf Club
Pinebrook Golf & Country Club
Royal Ottawa Golf Club
Sarnia Golf & Curling Club

We're delighted to announce 59club Europe’s representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Golf Manager of the Year (Europe South)
David Ashington, Costa Navarino

Golf Manager of the Year (Europe West & North Africa)
Lionel Gardes-Bus, Terre Blanche

Golf Manager of the Year (Nordic & Central)
Hanno Kross, Estonian Golf & Country Club

Golf Operations Manager of the Year (Europe South)
Old Course Vilamoura

Golf Operations Manager of the Year (Europe West & North Africa)
Terre Blanche

Golf Operations Manager of the Year (Nordic & Central)
Great Northern

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Europe South)
João Goulão, Old Course Vilamoura

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Europe West & North Africa)
Philippe Burgeat, Terre Blanche

Golf Superintendent of the Year (Nordic & Central)
Bevan Tattersall, Kristianstads Golfklubb & Destination

Retail Manager of the Year (Europe South)
Antonia Christopoulou, Costa Navarino
Ana Rita, Old Course Vilamoura

Retail Manager of the Year (Europe West & North Africa)
Cécile Crignola, Golf de Roquebrune

Retail Manager of the Year (Nordic & Central)
Jacob Pedersen, Great Northern

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year (Europe South)
Marta Castells, Camiral

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year (Europe West & North Africa)
Pierre Millet, Golf de Seignosse

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year (Nordic & Central)
Hakan Demirtas, Golf Club St. Leon-Rot

Gold Flag Venues
Aphrodite Hills
Camiral
Club de Golf Alcanada
Costa Navarino
Estonian Golf & Country Club
Finca Cortesin
Golf Club St. Leon-Rot
Great Northern
INFINITUM
Old Course Vilamoura
Son Muntaner
Terre Blanche
The Dutch
The Scandinavian

We're delighted to announce 59club UK & Ireland's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year

Eddie Devane (Mount Juliet Estate)

Glenn McNaughton (Long Ashton)

F&B Team (Knebworth GC)

 

Retail Manager of the Year

Martin Robinson (Brocket Hall)

Daniel Field (East Herts GC)

Giuseppe Licata (Filton GC)

 

Greenkeeper of the Year

Angus Macleod (The Belfry – Brabazon), John Bambury (Ballybunion GC)

Mike Bush (St Mellion Estate)

Matt Aplin (Goring & Streatley GC)

 

Golf Operations Team of the Year

Mount Juliet Estate

Rockliffe Hall

Knebworth GC

 

Golf Manager of the Year

Matt Sandercock (Mount Juliet Estate)

Tom West (Rockliffe Hall)

Mark Bierton (Knebworth GC)

 

Gold Flag Resorts

Carton House
Celtic Manor Resort
Fairmont St Andrews
Forest of Arden
Foxhills Club & Resort
Gleneagles
Mount Juliet Estate
Rockliffe Hall
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
The Grove
The K Club
The Mere Resort & Spa

Gold Flag Members’ Club

Ballybunion Golf Club
Brocket Hall
Castle Royle
Conwy Golf Club
County Louth Golf Club
Crail Golfing Society
Dunbar Golf Club
Edgbaston Golf Club
Frilford Heath Golf Club
Golf At Goodwood
Gullane Golf Club
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Harpenden Golf Club
Hickleton Golf Club
JCB Golf & Country Club
Knebworth Golf Club
Ladybank Golf Club
London Golf Club
Long Ashton Golf Club
Moor Park Golf Club
Panmure Golf Club
Portstewart Golf Club
Richmond Golf Club
Rotherham Golf Club
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
Royal Dublin Golf Club
The Royal Automobile Club
The Warwickshire
Witney Lakes Resort
Woodhall Spa

We're delighted to announce 59club Middle East & Africa's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year

Samer Reshedat (Abu Dhabi City Golf Club)

 

Retail Manager of the Year

Dyootiman Pal  (Al Hamra Golf Club)

 

Greenkeeper of the Year

Corey Finn (Yas Links Abu Dhabi)

 

Golf Operations Team of the Year

Franco Botha  (Jumeirah Golf Estates)

 

Golf Manager of the Year

Franco Botha  (Jumeirah Golf Estates)

 

Gold Flag Venues

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Al Hamra Golf Club
Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Constance Belle Mare Plage
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Dubai Hills Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
The Els Club, Dubai
The Track, Meydan Golf
Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Yas Links Abu Dhabi

We're delighted to announce 59club Australia & New Zealand's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year

Aaron Gaulke (New South Wales Golf Club)

 

Retail Manager of the Year

Craig Sticking (New South Wales Golf Club)

 

Greenkeeper of the Year

Mark Parker (New South Wales Golf Club)

Kurt Schulenburg (Long Reef Golf Club)

 

Golf Operations Team of the Year

Craig Sticking (New South Wales Golf Club)

 

Golf Manager of the Year

David Hogben  (Links Golf & Wellbeing)

 

Gold Flag Venues

Elanora Country Club
Links Golf & Wellbeing
New South Wales Golf Club
The Lakes

We're delighted to announce 59club Asia's representatives for the 2026 Global Awards...

Food & Beverage Manager of the Year

Sokveasna Pak & Hing Sophat (Vattanac Golf Resort)

 

Retail Manager of the Year

Vuth Sreynich (Vattanac Golf Resort)

 

Greenkeeper of the Year

Ali MacFadyen (The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club)

 

Golf Operations Team of the Year

The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club

 

Golf Manager of the Year

James Durkin (Vattanac Golf Resort)

 

Gold Flag Venues

Sentosa Golf Club
The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
The Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
Vattanac Golf Resort

Our Eminent Collection will proudly unveils its newest venues and individuals at the 2026 Global Awards, celebrating those who set the benchmark for excellence.

The current Eminent Collection

Eminent Collection Individuals

Andrew Whitelaw

Angus Macleod

Anna Darnell

Barney Coleman

Bernat Llobera

Brad Gould

Carmen Laguna Aguilar

Casper Schonfeldt

Chris Eigelaar

Chris Fitt

Chris May

Chris Reeve

Clinton Southorn

Craig Haldane

Eddie Devane

Francisco de Lancastre David

Fraser Liston

Gary Johnson

Gary Silcock

Glenn McNaughton

Gordon Simpson

Houssem Belabed

Jack Heginbotham

Jacques Hobson

Jason Adams

Jim McKenzie MBE

Joel Westwell

Jonathan Wyer

Kristoff Both

Mark Addison

Matt Aplin

Matthew Perry

Matt Sandercock

Phillip Chiverton

Rob Rowson

Scott Fenwick

Sean Graham

Simon Howell

Stephen Hindle

Stephen Hubner

Stuart Collier

Tom Hughes

Eminent Collection Venues

Club de Golf Alcanada (Spain)

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (UAE)

Emirates Golf Club (UAE)

Foxhills Club & Resort (England)

Frilford Heath (England)

Gleneagles (Scotland)

Gullane Golf Club (Scotland)

Hanbury Manor, Marriott Hotel & Country Club (England)

Son Muntaner (Spain)

Jumeirah Golf Estates (UAE)

Mount Juliet Estate (Ireland)

Rockliffe Hall (England)

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (UAE)

The Belfry Hotel & Resort (England)

The Celtic Manor Resort (Wales)

The Els Club, Dubai (UAE)

The Grove (England)

The Mere Golf Resort & Spa (England)

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi (UAE).

 

See you in Portugal 2026...

Here are the nearest airports to our host venue, Hilton Vilamoura, for all your travel arrangements.

Local Information Graphic

Take a look back at 2025...

The Inaugural 59club Global Awards was hosted at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in August 2025. Hosting over 300 guests, representing 125 venues, from across 22 countries, in association with 8 global partners across 3 days. Read all about it here.

 

Global Partners
Global Partner_Two Tier
Industry Supporters
Ind Supportersx
Event Sponsors
event partners 3x