Quinta do Lago is one of the Algarve’s most prestigious and renowned golf resorts, and has now received the ultimate seal of approval. The founder of its Golf Academy, Paul McGinley, has been named as the captain of the European Ryder Cup Team for 2014. His vice-captaincy during last-year’s tournament has not gone unnoticed, and he will be hoping to emulate Europe’s dramatic win over the US when 2014 rolls around.
The Algarve is one of the world’s premier destinations for golfing experiences, whether for amateurs, professionals, newbies or simply keen spectators. The southernmost tip of Portugal boasts dozens of different courses set against fabulous coastlines with some of the most beautiful views anywhere in Europe. Golfing season the Algarve runs from late autumn through to late spring, as a result of the mild winters; many European players find that courses in their home countries are unplayable at this time, so they flock to Portugal to work on their swing.
The craze for golf in the Algarve grew during the 1980s and 1990s, with golf courses springing up all along the coast. There are no courses currently built more than 15km from the coast, and this offers players a great selection of terrain to choose from, whether they want to play on sea-level flatlands and work on their putting, or challenging themselves to tee off on the steep and uneven hillsides further inland. Certain courses boast incredible views over the sea, making these golfing resorts perfect for those who want to drink in the sights as well as hone their game. There are also a great number of beautiful Algarve villas situated near to many of the most famous resorts, for easy access to plenty of the courses.
Pinheiros Altos is located within the Quinta do Lago resort and has a strong following of golfers and enthusiasts from across Europe. The San Lorenzo course is also a green not far from the Quinta do Lago resort, and is consistently rated amongst the top three courses in Europe, and has a reputation for attracting star names. Jasper Carrott, Jimmy Tarbuck and Henry Cooper frequented this course throughout the 1990s, and the Junior Golf Championship finals were held here too.
The promotion of Paul McGinley to captain of the Ryder Cup team demonstrates that Algarve’s impressive golf pedigree is certainly paying off.
