As I was getting changed after another round of mixed fortunes at Yas Links Golf Club a group of golfers from the UK came into the dressing room laughing and joking about who had done well and who had experienced a nightmare on what is a challenging course.

Every one of them, whether the butt of jokes about their lack of Stableford points or the guy who had enjoyed a good day, were full of enthusiasm and their day was probably best summed up when one of them said: “That was tough but it’s the best golf course I have ever played.”

That sort of praise is a common theme wherever you go to play golf in the UAE whether it be in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah or any of the other emirates.

The excellence of these courses and the infrastructure which continues to attract players from all over the world has ensured the region’s golf industry has become the envy of many and inspired the inaugural MEGAs.

We wanted to recognise the best of those who help the industry thrive with a high-end awards gala dinner which would become the top social event on the regional golfing calendar.

With a total of 18 categories, 10 of them public-voted, five submission categories and three judge-voted awards the response to the inaugural MEGAs was nothing short of spectacular.

A total of 221 entries were registered with a phenomenal 17,577 votes recorded in the public voting category. Fourteen judges made up of heads of industry and experts within the region decided their winners with the entire process managed by Deliotte & Touche.

The end result was a night to remember with more than 300 people representing all aspects of the industry attending the Gala Dinner at the One & Only Royal Mirage in Dubai.

Chris White, general manager of Yas Links Golf Club in Abu Dhabi which won the Golf Course of the Year Award (green fees above Dh400) said: “Sport360° and quite specifically the MEGA’s team as well as the One & Only should be applauded for the build-up ‘drama’ and evening delivery.”

White, who is also an advisor to the EGF, added: “Everybody likes to be recognised, rewarded and praised and with 18 different awards being presented it is true to say that those that are excelling in the industry were noticed.

“Having been part of the UAE golf scene for the past fourteen years I don’t remember an event where in essence 300+ industry professionals have interacted so openly – the 2013 MEGAs were mega and we look forward to them growing.”

On behalf of everyone at Sport360° I would like to thank all those who supported us so magnificently, including our sponsors and congratulate the winners.

As for next year? As they say in the game, tee it up!