The country's success as a golf destination “can be attributed to the integrated tourist experience, good air and land accessibility, an exceptional welcome, high quality sports and hotel infrastructures that cater to different profiles of golfers (whether professionals or amateurs), and an excellent quality/price ratio”, said Turismo de Portugal, in a statement.

According to this body, golf, through its connection with tourism, “contributes to the increase in tourist revenue and the expansion of tourist activity throughout the year and throughout the territory”.

The awards were presented at the 11th edition of the World Golf Awards, which took place in Funchal, Madeira.

In this year's edition, Madeira received four distinctions, including the award for “Best Emerging Golf Destination in the World”.

Portugal currently has 92 golf courses, spread across various regions, with a particular focus on the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto and North regions.

The World Golf Awards are voted on by golf industry professionals from more than 100 countries and are part of the World Travel Awards, the Oscars of the tourism sector.