“I really don’t like talking about myself,” admitted Franco Botha, Director of Golf Operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, at the start of our interview. It was an unexpected confession from someone recently crowned Golf Operations Manager of the Year at the 59Club Global Service Excellence Awards, but perhaps telling of Botha’s approach to leadership. “I won because of the team I have around me,” he said. “We won Golf Operations Team of the Year two years running at the 59Club MEA Awards in 2024 and 2025, so it’s a very talented group and we take great pride in what we do. To win that award once is great, but to retain it is special.” At the inaugural 59Club global awards, five managers in different areas of the industry were recognised for their ‘highest standards of professionalism, passion and innovation, inspiring their teams and setting a global benchmark for service excellence’. Validation “I’ve had moments in the past, as most people have, where I’ve doubted myself, but the award was like a validation, a confirmation that I’m heading in the right direction,” said Botha, who moved to the Middle East in 2010 from his native South Africa and held roles at Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi, The Els Club in Dubai and Royal Golf Club, Bahrain before joining Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2023. “I’ve had the opportunity to work for some great leaders and others who were more challenging. Each experience offered valuable lessons. “I’ve been very fortunate that most of my superiors have been willing to invest time in my development – Paul Booth (currently General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah) in particular. He used to say he had no issue with people below him eventually overtaking him because it gives him great joy to see others grow and develop.” Motivation Botha believes he and his team “now have targets on their backs” as their competition in the region tries to match them. “It’s a good thing,” said Botha. “The UAE is pretty competitive. We all get along but we push each other.  “The work started as soon as I got back (from The Belfry). I believe the event is in Dubai next year and we have our sights set on retaining the awards.” Rutger Smits from The Dutch, who was named F&B Manager of the Year at the 59Club Europe Awards in March, also believes the awards provide motivation for him and his team. “The awards are purely based on the results of mystery shopper visits, so every day there’s a possibility of having one,” said Smits, who was previously a chef and restaurant owner before joining The Dutch 10 years ago. “It motivates you to be your best all year round. “We’re a private members’ club, so when you look at the other nominees on the shortlist – particularly those from larger, more commercial resorts, it makes me very proud to be considered among them. “To earn this recognition is

Cooler temperatures, longer days: Denmark’s unique golf offering At Lübker Golf & Spa Resort in Denmark, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mark Dissing Bækgaard is already seeing the change on the ground.  “We’ve had a lot more visitors this summer from right across Europe, from Norway and Sweden to Germany and the UK. Golfers have been drawn to the milder climates in the Nordics,” said Bækgaard. “In Denmark, we have these incredible long summer days and bright evenings, and that’s becoming a major attraction.” He emphasised, however, that it is not about competing directly with Southern Europe, rather offering golfers experiences that are distinctly different. “Destinations like Spain and Portugal have their own unique selling points, which have attracted golfers over the years.  “What we’re providing is our own authentic experiences, focussing more on nature, fresh air, the long summer evenings and Nordic cuisine – showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.” Beyond the milder climate, Bækgaard believes Denmark’s position as a ‘hidden gem’ is part of its growing appeal.  “Golfers everywhere love to find hidden gems. Places they can go back and talk about before their friends do – and wearing a Lübker cap back home is the ultimate way to say you found this beautiful gem first. “I truly believe Denmark has everything to become the next big golf destination. Currently, it’s a place where golfers can be the first to experience something new: new landscapes, new courses and a new culture. It’s a major selling point for us.”   Austria’s Rise as a Summer Golf Destination Further south in Central Europe, Diamond Country Club, near Vienna, is also seeing its own spike in attention. The resort’s Office Manager and Tour Operator Relations, Nadine Steidl, says the appeal is growing year-round. “We actually have many Scandinavians coming to Austria to play golf, especially in the off-season when it’s too cold to play at their home courses,” Steidl explained.  “Germany is also a big market for us because it’s so easy to reach us by car. And the UK is a growing market as we’re seeing more golfers from there choosing Central Europe as an alternative to Spain and Portugal which can become very hot in midsummer.”  While Austria has long been considered an off-season destination, Nadine believes its cooler summers and cultural richness give it the potential to be considered as a premium summer choice. “We’re an amazing country to visit, especially in the summer,” she said. “We normally don’t have much rain and our temperatures rarely go above 30 to 35 degrees, which makes it perfect for golf. “Visitors arriving then are also requesting cultural add-ons to their traditional golf packages. “For example, the historical city of Vienna is only an hour away. And for our guests who love music, Salzburg is a short drive away. Guests can enjoy world-class golf in the morning and explore the country’s rich heritage in the afternoon. It’s a complete experience.” To capitalise on this growing interest, Steidl and

1. A masterplan that protects scarcity and lifestyle value Quinta do Lago was conceived as a planned resort, and its governance has consistently limited development footprint (preserving greenbelt and the adjacent Ria Formosa), maintaining a high bar for what is allowed inside the gates.  That restricted supply plus a protected environment translates into long-term exclusivity and premium pricing for golf real estate. The low-density environment also gives people a lot of privacy, which is often a non-negotiable for prospective buyers. 2. World-class golf  Quinta do Lago offers three contrasting 18-hole courses (North, South and Laranjal), providing variety for members and visiting golfers.  The quality of golf is a major draw for owners who want that genuine golfing lifestyle. Prospective buyers know that not only is superb golf guaranteed, they even have a choice of three very different courses. 3. Continuous reinvestment in hospitality The dining portfolio at Quinta do Lago has expanded to 14 restaurants – from fine dining to beachfront restaurants and family-friendly options, open year-round.  High-quality facilities raise the day-to-day appeal, and Quinta Do Lago are always looking for ways to improve. Food is extremely important to property owners and guests, so they have always ensured that they offer a wide range of dining options catering to every taste. Whether that’s an informal bite to eat or a high-end experience for a special occasion, owners and prospective buyers know they have a fantastic choice. 4. Sport and wellness The range of sports and activities at Quinta do Lago is second to none, with The Campus offering a ‘hub of active living’ for everyone from elite athletes to beginners. The breadth of the facilities at The Campus broadens the buyer base. From families who want to improve their children’s swimming, and active, health-conscious retirees, to second-home owners who play high-level racket sports – the resort provides the state of the art facilities and the best coaches to service these needs. 5. Security A managed, secure environment with professional estate services is a persistent selling point for overseas purchasers in particular.  Recently there has been a significant increase in prospective buyers from the United States. That likely stems from new direct flights from New York to Faro which began in April 2025.  Americans tend to be more security-conscious than Europeans, so the fact a resort can offer an array of services including surveillance, first response and 24-hour medical assistance through its long-term partner Team 6 Vigiquinta is a major draw. In summary… Quinta do Lago’s success over such a long period of time centres around continuous investment in the things that make life for their guests exceptional. The resort protects and enhances value for owners by staying ahead of the curve and offering what buyers want, to a very high level.