Quinta do Lago strengthens support for junior golf

Quinta do Lago, Europe’s premier golf and lifestyle resort, is set to further strengthen its support for up-and-coming young golfing talent by hosting the inaugural Junior Open this winter.

The prestigious resort, which is celebrating its landmark 45th anniversary this year, will hold the event on December 28 and 29 on its highly-acclaimed Laranjal course thanks to the warm winter climate that is enjoyed in the Algarve.

Supported by European Tour player and Quinta do Lago ambassador Ricardo Melo Gouveia, Portugal’s highest-ever ranked golfer, the competition for boys and girls is set to be played in five stablefod and nett categories for under-10s, 12s, 14s and 16s, and stroke play for  under-21s, with the aim of giving budding young golfers the perfect stage to hone and develop their skills.

The event, which costs just €50 per junior for 2x18 holes and €30 for 2x9 holes, has been specially devised to take place as a warm-up before the official season begins, offering families the perfect Christmas and New Year break.

Quinta do Lago, host of the McGinley Junior Cup and the Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship, is regarded as being one of the world’s premier sports and lifestyle destinations with a host of accommodation options, including a range of luxury rental self-catering properties or the newly-acquired Magnolia Hotel.

A one-week stay in one of the luxury two-bedroom Quinta Formosa townhouses, which boast spectacular views of Pinheiros Altos golf course, costs just €1,500 per week, while the seclusive two-bedroom Vale dos Pinheiros is just €1,200 and three-bedroom condominium is €1,660.

The Magnolia Hotel is a stunning contemporary Miami-style boutique complete with wellness centre that has benefited from a major refurbishment, consisting of 74 sleek guest rooms with private varandas. A standard room is just €72 per night for two adults, while a suite for two adults and a child is €130 per night and a cottage for two adults and a child is €150.

Resort academy manager and head professional José Ferreira said: “Quinta do Lago has been a supporter of junior golf for many, many years now by hosting such prestigious tournaments like the McGinley Junior Cup and the Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship, which are held annually.

“And now we have added the exciting Junior Open to our list of events, which is another great chance for younger players to put their talents to the test and enjoy the game at Laranjal, which really is an incredible course.

“The beauty of the Algarve is it gives golfers the chance to play in a very pleasant climate during the Christmas break, so familes can take a break, play golf, use the incredible facilities we are fortunate to have here, or simply relax.”

Located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is the official winter training base for England Golf’s elite squads, who can hone their skills on the outstanding practice facilities including Europe’s only Paul McGinley Golf Academy and the only TaylorMade Performance Center in Southern Europe.

The resort, which is also home to the annual Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship, is situated in the tranquil setting of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, offering the very best in award-winning sports and leisure facilities.

A multi-million-pound investment has led to a number of high-profile additions, strengthening the Algarve destination’s reputation as the world’s leading sport and leisure destination – both on land and on water. The Campus, a state-of-the-art sporting facility, is the latest inclusion that aims to provide the perfect training base for both beginners and world-class athletes in all fields.

Quinta do Lago, home to 10 highly-acclaimed restaurants and celebrating its 45th anniversary, has long been famed for its culinary delights. The Bovino is one of the best-loved dining experiences in the Algarve, complementing the sophisticated setting of Casa Velha and the hugely popular Shack, one of the coolest spots around, which is situated on the lake’s shoreline.

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