This accolade recognised the considerable investment Ardglass GC have made in both their golf course and general product offering and this investment has been further recognised through consumer reaction, which has resulted in a 20% increase in business in 2011 from 2010.

Ardglass Golf Club Treasurer Brian McMullan said, 'This award is a really important boost for the club. We are deeply honoured to accept it on behalf of the club and its members. According to a recent survey by the IGTOA they are handling over 40,000 golfers who come to the Island of Ireland each year contributing to £ 40 million high yield business for industry partners and suppliers. Ardglass can now capitalise on this market being among the best of the courses the IGTOA has to offer. Our growth target for 2012 is a further 30% on the current growth we are experiencing during 2011.'

Debbie Turley, Club Manager said 'Despite the economic difficulties the club has continued to develop not only our golf course but our hospitality, packages and the overall offering. We currently have visitors from as far away as Australia, North and South America and Japan coming to Ardglass. Bringing such a range of tourists into the area not only benefits the club but the whole county Down tourism and hospitality sectors.'

Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor Dermot Curran added his sincere congratulations on the tremendous accolade for Ardglass GC and for the whole area.

Ardglass Golf Club is also a member of North & West Coast Links Ireland, a group of 11 of the finest links golf courses in the world. At the last International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) Convention, the worldwide golf industry awarded the North & West Coast Links area - 'European Golf Destination of the Year 2011'.