Quinta do Lago's decision to carry out a prolonged upgrade of its five-star facilities continues to receive deserved recognition after the prestigious Algarve venue was named as the best golf resort in Portugal for the first time in its history at the 2015 Today's Golfer Travel Awards.

Hot on the heels of clinching double success at the 1st World Golf Awards, Europe's leading luxury family destination was the first choice of readers of the UK's best-selling golf title to win the top consumer travel award.

Quinta do Lago has undertaken a major €29m investment programme since 2009, including the widely-acclaimed €9.6m redevelopment of its North Course by European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley in close collaboration with renowned American architect Beau Welling.

In addition to the top honour, Quinta do Lago was given two further reasons to celebrate with its famous South Course being voted runner-up in the 'Best Golf Course in Portugal' category and the Algarve being named as the 'Best Golf Destination in Europe' by the magazine's readers.

John Dwyer, chief executive at Quinta do Lago, said: “To be voted as the best golf resort in Portugal for the first time is a fantastic achievement and is the icing on the cake of what has been memorable last few months for Quinta do Lago.

“We've received a tremendous reaction from visitors, members and the golf industry alike since the reopening of the North Course last autumn and, as one of the established stars of golf in the Algarve, it's always good to see the South Course acknowledged for its continued excellence.

“The resort is really starting to reap the rewards for its commitment to a period of long-term investment, and we're relishing the chance to continue to deliver the golfing experience possible in 2015.”

The new accolades bring to a close an outstanding year for Quinta do Lago which has seen it confirm its position among the world's top golf resorts.

Officially opened by McGinley last October, Quinta do Lago's North Course was one of the most talked-about design projects in Europe in 2014, with the venue being completed in the space of just ten months.

One of three world-class championship courses at the luxury venue, the new-look layout was named 'Europe's Best New Golf Course' when the resort hosted the inaugural World Golf Awards in November, with its South Course adding to the list of honours by claiming the coveted title of 'Best Golf Course in Portugal'.

Quinta do Lago also signed an exclusive agreement with England Golf to be the new winter training base for its national squads for the next four years while the resort enhanced its practice amenities by opening a new short game area to add to outstanding facilities including the world's only Paul McGinley Golf Academy and a state-of-the-art TaylorMade Performance Center – the only facility of its kind in Southern Europe.

Set amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, the resort has been at the forefront of European golf for more than four decades while, 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 the resort's 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 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.

• 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.