Elevate Golf has celebrated another successful edition of its invitation-only global golf tourism conference, welcoming 230 suppliers and 230 tour operators to Northern Ireland and St Andrews from October 25-30.
The six-day event brought together a combination of the world’s leading golf courses, resorts and accommodation providers with international tour operators for a programme of golf, networking and business appointments, further establishing Elevate’s position in the international golf tourism calendar.
The 2026 edition began in Northern Ireland, where international delegates experienced some of the country’s finest golf courses and hospitality, before travelling to Scotland for the business and networking programme in St Andrews.
A total of 9,430 pre-scheduled appointments took place over two days at Fairmont St Andrews, providing suppliers and operators with opportunities to develop new business relationships and strengthen existing partnerships.
This year’s event concluded with a gala dinner featuring Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-founder and CEO of Cabot, as the headline guest speaker. Cowan-Dewar took part in a wide-ranging Q&A session exploring the story behind the development of the Cabot brand and the wider trends and opportunities shaping the future of golf tourism.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to Wilma Erskine, the former secretary of Royal Portrush Golf Club, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to golf in Northern Ireland. Erskine played a central role in raising the international profile of golf in the country and helping to secure the return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush in 2019, ending a 68-year absence. She retired shortly after the championship, having played an instrumental part in bringing one of golf’s greatest events back to Northern Ireland.
Leanne Thorpe, director of Elevate Golf, said: “It’s been another fantastic week for Elevate Golf and we’re delighted with the response from everyone who attended. Bringing together 230 suppliers and 230 tour operators, and delivering more than 9,400 appointments over two days, shows just how important the event has become for the international golf tourism industry.
“What makes Elevate special is the quality of the people involved and the relationships that develop throughout the week. From the golf and hospitality in Northern Ireland to the business meetings in St Andrews, we’ve seen some excellent connections made and plenty of business being discussed.
“We’re particularly grateful to our host venues, partners and everyone who helped make the week such a success.”
Karyln Hawke, director of leisure travel sales for Pebble Beach Resorts, said: “Elevate Golf is a truly special platform for Pebble Beach Resorts, bringing together the world’s most discerning luxury golf tour operators and premier golf destinations in an intimate, invitation-only setting built for genuine connection and lasting partnerships. We are honoured to be part of such a thoughtfully curated, high-calibre event once again.”
John Baker, managing partner at Haversham Baker, added: “At the end of the day, what our members remember most are often the people they meet along the way. Elevate Golf gives us a chance to spend time with longtime partners, get to know new ones, and continue building the relationships that make what we do possible.”
Elevate Golf will return to Scotland in 2027, with the next edition beginning at Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast. The five-star resort, which is home to three courses including the Ailsa, a four-time host of The Open Championship, will provide the opening setting for another week bringing together leading international golf tour operators and premium golf destinations.
