Aashish Vaishnava Becomes First Indian to Win World Golf Awards' Golf Course Designer of the Year 2026
AAashish Vaishnava became the first Indian golf course architect to win the Golf Course Designer of the Year 2026 title at the World Golf Awards.
Shared the global award with UK-based design partner Jon Hunt under Aashish Vaishnava & Jon Hunt (AV IDG).
The award was presented at the World Golf Awards gala in Egypt on 7 November 2026.
First Indian Achievement
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No individually named Indian golf course architect had previously won this global title.
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Marks a significant milestone for Indian golf design on the international stage.
India-UK Design Partnership
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AV IDG combines Indian design expertise with British golf course design experience.
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Built on a 20+ year India-UK collaboration in:
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Golf course design
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Luxury real estate masterplanning
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Golf resort architecture
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Landscape design
Award Reactions
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Aashish Vaishnava: Dedicated the achievement to clients, partners and the wider Indian golf industry, hoping it inspires more Indians to pursue careers in golf design.
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Jon Hunt: Described the award as recognition of successful long-term collaboration between India and the UK.
Additional World Golf Awards Success
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Prestige Golfshire Club won India's Best Golf Course 2026.
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Al Dhannah Golf Club won Middle East's Best 9-Hole Golf Course 2026.
Award-Winning Track Record
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Projects associated with AV IDG have recorded 33 World Golf Awards wins (2014-2026):
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14 design-credit victories, including the 2026 Designer of the Year title.
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19 wins on projects involving project management, rebuild or consulting roles.
Notable Award-Winning Projects
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Prestige Golfshire (India): Best Golf Course awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2026.
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Tobago Plantations (Trinidad & Tobago): Best Golf Course awards in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025.
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Al Dhannah Golf Club (UAE): Best 9-Hole Golf Course awards in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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National Azerbaijan Golf Club: Azerbaijan's Best Golf Course 2025.
Significance
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The award positions India on the global golf design map and highlights the growing international recognition of Indian expertise in golf course architecture and destination development.
