KILIFI, Kenya, Nov 19 – Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County’s premier luxury lifestyle destination, has retained the prestigious Africa’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue 2025 title at the 12th World Golf Awards held in Madeira, Portugal.
The back-to-back triumph cements Vipingo Ridge’s status as Africa’s leading golf and lifestyle destination, underscoring its appeal to both golf enthusiasts and real estate investors.
For the second year running, Vipingo Ridge beat other top lodges and golf estates across the continent to clinch the award, which recognises its growing profile as a world-class golfing and property investment destination.
Vipingo Ridge is home to Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course, offering premier golfing experiences, professional training, and a wide range of sports and wellness activities.
The World Golf Awards™, part of the World Travel Awards™, celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, outstanding golf courses, and exceptional golf destinations. Voted for by consumers and industry professionals worldwide, the awards highlight organisations that are elevating the global golfing experience and have, over the past decade, become a key driver of growth and excitement in the sector.
This year’s ceremony was staged in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, where Trump International Scotland cemented its place among the world’s greatest golfing destinations by winning three headline awards. The New Course was named World’s Best Golf Course and Europe’s Best New Golf Course, while Trump International Scotland received the title of World’s Best Contribution to Golf Tourism Hospitality.
Speaking from Kilifi, Vipingo Ridge CEO Alex Horsey said the award affirms the steadily appreciating real estate investments at the destination, which continue to position Kenya as an ideal golf tourism hub.
“As we pay tribute to all our stakeholders, we recognise that this award celebrates Vipingo Ridge’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment where nature, recreation and responsible development coexist. It continues to redefine modern coastal living through its blend of exceptional real estate and a world-class golfing experience,” Mr Horsey said.
He added: “Our vision has always been to create a destination that celebrates Kenya’s natural beauty while offering a lifestyle experience that rivals the world’s best. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence, sustainability and positioning Kenya as a premier golf tourism destination.”
In a communiqué issued from Madeira, World Golf Awards Managing Director Chris Frost said: “We are delighted to unveil the best golf organisations of 2025 – the courses, resorts, designers and hospitality providers that are driving the global golf industry to new heights. This year’s winners reflect the strength and innovation within the sport, showcasing an exceptional blend of excellence, sustainability and passion. We have received a record number of votes from golf consumers and industry professionals worldwide – a wonderful endorsement of the growing appeal of golf tourism.”
Alongside Vipingo Ridge, LIV Golf Adelaide and The Grange Golf Club were recognised as World’s Best Golf Event of the Year, with 54 Limited named Golf Advisory & Operations Team of the Year. Ireland’s Fairways and FunDays claimed the title of World’s Best Golf Tour Operator.
Other winners included Madinaty Golf Club (Africa’s Best Golf Course); Terras da Comporta – Dunas Golf Course, Portugal (Europe’s Best Golf Course); Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia (North America’s Best Golf Course); Sentosa Golf Club – Serapong Course, Singapore (Asia’s Best Golf Course); and Heritage Golf Club – La Réserve Golf Links, Mauritius (Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course).
