Quinta do Lago has made a flying start to its new partnership with England Golf after the prestigious Algarve resort played host to the first players in its new role as the winter training base for England Golf's national squads.

England Golf has agreed an exclusive four-year deal with Quinta do Lago to host its men's, ladies, boys and girls elite squads during two months of the closed season, and players from the England men's and 'A' squads had the chance to enjoy the resort's array of five-star facilities during two recent training camps.

The primary focus of the warm-weather breaks was to work on improving each player's scoring skills, with squad members being put through a series of daily activities in addition to practising on the course, and the coaches of the two groups have been quick to hail the camps as an overwhelming success.

Graham Walker, coach of the England Men's Squad, said: “It was a great benefit to be able to play and practice on championship-standard courses throughout the winter.

“The courses were a pleasure to play and all the players enjoyed them. The other facilities at Quinta do Lago including the food were top of the range and the staff were very accommodating, allowing us to concentrate on our work.”

Featuring three 18-hole championship courses – including its widely acclaimed, award-winning North Course – outstanding practice facilities at its Paul McGinley Academy, a TaylorMade Performance Centre and extensive leisure activities and facilities, Quinta do Lago has everything needed to guarantee a first-class golf experience.

As well as working on swing techniques, daily activities for the players included sessions on fitness, the short game, wedge play, ball-flight control, game management and the mental side of the game.

Paul Ashwell, coach of the England 'A' Squad, added: “The players were all tasked with working towards their own personal development plans, which are individual to each team member and cover a broad range of skills.

“They really liked playing the South Course, which was in very good condition, and the squad enjoyed the variety of shots that they could practice in the squad practice area, which had been newly constructed.

“All the players benefitted from a week of good, hard practice in winter sunshine and have gained the experience of playing on one of the best courses in Europe. We're looking forward to our next visit.”

The England Golf players who visited Quinta do Lago were:

- England Men's Squad: Dan Brown, Adam Chapman, Joe Dean, Paul Howard, Luke Johnson, Paul Kinnear, Jimmy Mullen, Michael Saunders and Dan Wasteney.
- England 'A' Squad: Ben Amor, Jamie Bower, Jamie Dick, Tom Gandy, Oscar Granstrom-Livesey, Scott Gregory, Bobby Keeble, Sean Towndrow, Ashton Turner and Andrew Wilson.

Under the terms of the new agreement, England Golf squads will stay at Quinta do Lago and use its driving range and practice facilities as well as having access to both the South and North courses.

In addition, each group will also utilise the swing analysis with a launch monitor, biomechanics golf fitness training sessions whilst being fully catered for with a daily breakfast and lunch also provided.

The England Golf National Performance Programme supports around 50 of the best amateur players within the England national squads and a further talented 160 players within boys and girls regional squads. This programme aims to support players to break into the top 10 of the World Amateur World Golf Rankings and to transition into the professional ranks, following in the footsteps of successful amateurs such as Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Charlie Hull.

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of European golf for more than four decades with three 18-hole championship courses matched by outstanding practice facilities including the world's only Paul McGinley Golf Academy, a state-of-the-art TaylorMade Performance Centre and new short game area.

Away from the fairways, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied, with events, tennis, cycling and watersports just some of the extensive leisure activities available.

For further information on Quinta do Lago and its facilities, phone + 351 289 390 700 or visit www.quintadolago.com. 

Ends

Information for journalists

Press release written and distributed on behalf of Quinta do Lago by the Azalea Group.

For more information on Quinta do Lago or images contact Daniel Chidley on 01730 711920, or email daniel@theazaleagroup.com 

Quinta do Lago ( www.quintadolago.com )

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 Europe 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 European golf with three award-winning championship courses matched by outstanding practice facilities including the world's only Paul McGinley Golf Academy and the only TaylorMade Performance Center in Southern Europe. Away from the fairways, the resort's extensive leisure facilities guarantee there is plenty to keep everyone occupied, with events, tennis, cycling and watersports just some of the activities available.

The resort's stunning location by the beach offers the perfect place to relax and unwind while its wide array of restaurants, both formal and informal, take advantage of the fresh Mediterranean produce that the resort has become famous for.

Quinta do Lago has enjoyed the honour of hosting eight Portuguese Opens as well as numerous other international golf tournaments, and its world-class golf facilities include:

• Quinta do Lago North Course – Opened in October 2014, the totally revamped North Course has been redeveloped by renowned American golf architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and is set to become one of the new stars of European golf. The new layout has been built to the highest specifications with a €9.6m investment programme and has been redeveloped with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy. The course was named 'Europe's Best New Golf Course' at the 2014 World Golf Awards.

• Quinta do Lago South Course – A favourite among European Tour professionals, the South Course calls for accurate drives and precise shots, but rewards players for their efforts with the stunning backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Regularly included in Golf World magazine's 'Top 100 Golf Courses in Europe', the par-72 layout has hosted the Portuguese Open on no fewer than eight occasions while it was named 'Best Course in Portugal' at the 2014 World Golf Awards.

• Laranjal – Designed in the grounds of an orange grove, the par-72 course was named as Portugal's Best Golf Course 2011 at the Portuguese Travel Awards, and poses serious tests for players of all abilities. Opened in 2008, Laranjal offers a pure golfing experience right next to the Quinta do Lago estate and features fairways sown with Bermuda grass, providing a challenging playing environment in a picture-perfect setting.

• Paul McGinley Academy – Quinta do Lago is home to the only Paul McGinley Academy in the world, founded in October 2011 by the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain. With a strong involvement from McGinley himself, the academy aims to cultivate and improve golfers' play by providing them with the tools and techniques used by professionals on tour.

• TaylorMade Performance Centre – Quinta do Lago's TaylorMade Performance Center is the only facility of its kind in Southern Europe and is located on the resort's expansive driving range. Opened in May 2013, the centre is operated by trained TaylorMade technicians, offering golfers a custom-fitting experience testing hundreds of club and iron options, ensuring the best combination for every player's swing.

• New Short Game Area – Designed by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, the new short game area is unique in Portugal and complements the facilities on offer at the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and TaylorMade Fitting Center. Ideal for practising a variety of shots, the facilities includes two undulating greens – a separate putting and chipping green – and two greenside bunkers.

For further information on Quinta do Lago and its facilities, phone + 351 289 390 700 or visit www.quintadolago.com.