The maiden edition of high-end golf tourism event Elevate Golf has been hailed a huge success as golf’s elite connected in Scotland over five action-packed days.
Held between October 27 to 31 by industry experts with more than 20 years’ experience, the finest golf courses, accommodation providers and international tour operators gathered for tailor-made appointments, as well as more casual social meetings that included rounds on some of Scotland’s finest courses and drinks receptions.
Hosted by SKY TV presenter and broadcaster Di Stewart, the invite-only B2B event saw representatives from over 100 premium golf properties in the UK and Ireland - as well as select premium venues from continental Europe - converge on St Andrews and the Old Course Hotel to talk with 50 of the world’s biggest tour operators.
Over the course of the event, attendees were also able to take to the fairways at Trump Turnberry, Carnoustie Golf Links and Dumbarnie Golf Links.
Elevate Golf culminated in a gala dinner celebrating global golf tourism on Thursday, October 31 at the Old Course Hotel. During the evening, Sam Baker of Haversham & Baker received a warm reception as he collected Elevate Golf's lifetime achievement award, and legendary hotelier Sir Rocco Forte – of Rocco Forte Hotels – took part in a special Q&A with Stewart, with attendees getting to hear his thoughts on various topics in the luxury hospitality sector.
In total, over 3,000 face-to-face business meetings took place across the five days of Elevate Golf 2024.
Tom Lovering, founder of Elevate Golf, said: “Elevate Golf is all about connections, and our 2024 event provided a platform for the world’s most esteemed golf tour operators to connect with the finest suppliers to create lasting memories and strong bonds.
“The feedback we have received from all tour operators and suppliers in attendance at the first Elevate Golf event has been phenomenal. We would like to thank all our partners, and everyone involved in making this event the great success it was. We look forward to doing it all over again at Elevate Golf 2025.”
The event is believed to be the first time all Open Championship rota venues have been present at one business-to-business trade event.
Rebecca Brady, golf operations manager at Portmarnock Golf Club, said: “Elevate Golf has been fantastic for us. The event has given us the opportunity to meet with the highest quality of tour operator across two days of extremely beneficial face-to-face meetings.
“Elevate Golf 2024 has allowed us to make new connections, catch up with industry friends and showcase our product to the right buyers at an exciting time for Portmarnock Golf Club. We will most certainly be returning to Elevate Golf in 2025.”
Elevate Golf 2025 will be held from October 26 to 31 and will begin in Liverpool. The latter half of the event will return to its roots in St Andrews and the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews.