Recently 2 Eastern European countries were recognized for their contribution to golf tourism. Almost a month ago, Slovenia received IAGTO Awards as the "Golf Destination of the Year" (Undiscovered). Most recently the Bulgarian Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort received double recognition:
- has been named Bulgaria's ‘Best Golf Hotel' for 2014 at the inaugural World Golf Awards.
- and voted ‘European Golf Resort of the Year 2014' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO)
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort was also the host venue for the European Tour's prestigious Volvo World Match Play Championship in May 2013.
Although both countries have only 7 countries (per country). I think such awards can help to boost awareness of their golf courses. Bulgaria needs even more such push.
In case of Bulgaria it would be better if local golf courses would not rely 100% on international golf tourism, but more on local golfers. It would be more successful if a golf course would not be in a distance of 50 minute drive, but it in a more accessible place.