Golfing icon, Colin Montgomerie, has scooped top honours at the World Golf Awards. The Ryder Cup-legend was named Golf Course Designer of the Year at the golf tourism industry’s event of the year in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

With Saudi Arabia quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s most dynamic new golf markets, this partnership demonstrates the ambition of the kingdom to become a global destination of interest attracting international visitors.

The Hainan International Golf Alliance has been established in Haikou to bring together government and golf tourism stakeholders from across Hainan province. The body will seek to promote the tropical Chinese island as a golf tourism destination.

As the hotel prepares to host the World Golf Awards in late 2019, Breaking Travel News here speaks to Tom Legg, director of sales at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, about what is on offer at the property and how the sport continues to develop in the emirate.

Leading names from the golfing world will join figureheads and influencers from the golf travel industry at Spain’s legendary La Manga Club for the fifth annual World Golf Awards.

Chris Eigelaar has excelled in a career in leading hotels and resorts across the UK including DoubleTree by Hilton, Locke Hotels, Sofitel and QHotels.