Kenya has been named Africa's Best Golf Destination at the 2026 World Golf Awards, in a boost for the country's growing golf tourism industry.

The winners were revealed at the 13th annual Gala Ceremony, held at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt. It was the first time the World Golf Awards had taken place in Africa, and the ceremony formed the climax of a golfing itinerary that included the World Golf Awards Classic, played on Madinaty's 18-hole championship course.

Kenya took the African title alongside several of its courses, estates and hotels, which were also named among the 2026 winners. They included Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Vipingo Ridge and Karen Country Club. South Africa also took plenty of honours at the ceremony, according to the awards report.

Portugal won the title of World's Best Golf Destination, while its Silver Coast was named World's Best Emerging Golf Destination and Mission Hills Haikou in China was voted World's Best Golf Hotel. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr., whose designs span more than 300 courses in over 50 countries.

Chris Frost, managing director of the World Golf Awards, said bringing the ceremony to Africa for the first time was a landmark moment and praised Egypt as a magnificent host. The results followed a year-long search for the world's favourite golf tourism and hospitality brands, with votes cast by golf industry professionals, the media and the public, and the nominee with the most votes in each category named the winner.

For Kenya, the award underlines the country's standing as a golfing destination in Africa, with its established clubs and coastal resorts now recognised on a global stage alongside the world's leading golf destinations.