Talented Portuguese teenager João Girão singled himself out as a golfing star of the future after beating off competition from some of the game's top up-and-coming players to claim a deserved victory in the 2015 McGinley Junior Cup at Quinta do Lago.

Girão, 16, a part of Portugal's team that was successful in Division Two at the 2015 European Amateur Team Championships in Poland last month, carded an impressive two-under-par round of 70 on Quinta do Lago's renowned Laranjal course to clinch the overall gross title at the famous resort in the Algarve.

The victory gave the Portuguese international, who plays off a plus 1.3 handicap at Oporto Golf Club, plenty to celebrate not only was he presented with his trophy by European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley, but also won a coveted wild card to 2015 Daily Telegraph BMW Junior Championship.

The prestigious 54-hole junior tournament has been won in the past by world stars including Justin Rose, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Melissa Reid and Carly Booth, and Girão will have the chance to add his name to the roll call of honours when the event takes place on Quinta do Lago's North Course from October 12-17.

Open to all boys and girls up to the age of 18, this year's McGinley Junior Cup – played over 18 holes with prizes available in four different handicap categories – attracted a high-class field including national under-14 champion Calvin Holmes, Girão's brother Afonso – also a Portuguese international – and 2015 US Kids European aged eight-and-under winner Matthew Golovanov.

Taking advantage of ideal conditions, 11-year-old Lucas Azinheiro, playing off five, had a day to remember as he scored 40 Stableford points to take victory in Category Two, with 16-handicapper Filipa Capelo, 13, winning the girls' competition with the same score.

Twelve-handicapper Max van der Heijden also produced an impressive display on the par-72 Laranjal layout to win Category Three with 39 points, while eight-year-old American starlet Golovanov underlined his enormous promise, scoring 22 points over nine holes to win the 'Benjamin's' Category off a handicap of 17.

The official winter training base for England Golf's elite squads, Quinta do Lago is perfect for a relaxing family holiday in exquisite surroundings and offers the very best in award-winning sports and leisure facilities, with three 18-hole championship courses and a wide variety of pursuits to enjoy.

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

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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 Europe'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 – Opening in October 2014, the totally revamped North Course has been redeveloped by renowned American golf architect Beau Well 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.

• 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.

• 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 Europe, 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 Center – 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.

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