European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has had a new honour bestowed on him after receiving honorary membership of the prestigious Quinta do Lago Golf Club in Portugal’s Algarve.
McGinley received the award at a special presentation dinner to acknowledge not only his appointment as the 2014 Ryder Cup captain but also, given the strong Irish membership at the club, the fact that he will be the first Irish Ryder Cup captain.
The Dubliner has been a regular visitor with his family to Quinta do Lago in the last two decades and, having opened the world’s only Paul McGinley Golf Academy at the resort in 2011, launched a new state-of-the-art TaylorMade Fitting Center at the start of this summer.
Paul McGinley delighted to receive life membership of Quinta do Lago from club captain, David Proctor and lady captain, Jane Reason.
McGinley, who was presented with the award by Quinta do Lago club captain David Proctor and lady captain Jane Reason, said: “It’s a great honour for me to accept this award.
“My family and I have been coming to the Algarve, and Quinta do Lago in particular, for the last 20 years and it has always been a very welcoming and great place to be.
“It was great to have the chance to meet and spend time with some of the club’s members at the evening, although some of the questions that I received during the question-and-answer session after dinner were as searching as any press conference I’ve attended!”
Quinta do Lago Golf Club was formed in 1984 and has an international membership of some 550 members. Until recently, membership was restricted to property owners but a recent initiative has opened up some new membership opportunities.
Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago is one of the most highly regarded golf and residential developments in the Algarve since opening in 1972.
Located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, the resort offers residents and guests an unparalleled location benefiting from a year-round temperate climate, a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community.
Since its inception, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of golf in the Algarve with three 18-hole championship courses – Quinta do Lago North and South courses and Laranjal – matched by outstanding practice facilities at the Paul McGinley Academy.
Away from the fairways, the estate’s extensive leisure facilities guarantee there is plenty to keep everyone occupied, with tennis, cycling, watersports and horse riding just some of the activities available.
Quinta do Lago’s stunning location by the beach offers the perfect place to relax and unwind while the resort’s wide array of restaurants, both formal and informal, allow visitors and residents the opportunity to savour the very best in traditional Portuguese cooking.
For more information on Quinta do Lago and its facilities, phone + 351 289 390 700 or visit www.quintadolago.com .
For further details about membership of Quinta do Lago Golf Club, call +351 289 396141 or visit www.cgql.com
