Golfers and their families are being given the unique opportunity to join one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs after Quinta do Lago Golf Club launched a new golf membership this autumn.
The club’s new 20-year title membership gives prospective members the chance to become a part of the Quinta do Lago community in the premier golf destination in the Algarve.
Quinta do Lago Golf Club was formed in 1984 and its international membership, made up of 540 golfers from 14 different countries across the continent, can enjoy year-round golf on two of Portugal’s most prestigious venues – Quinta do Lago’s North and South courses, with the latter having hosted the Portuguese Open no fewer than eight times.
Until recently, membership was restricted to property owners but the new membership has opened up alternative opportunities and a wide range of benefits for golfers and their families.
As well as offering access to exclusive tee times and guaranteed playing rights throughout the year on Quinta do Lago’s renowned North and South courses, members will also receive substantial discounts on annual subscriptions for spouses, family members and juniors and enjoy an exclusive clubhouse which is separate from the resort’s other guests, including its own catering facilities.
With Quinta do Lago Golf Club operating as a fully-functioning club, golfers can make the most of a full range of member activities, including a complete calendar of competitions and social events; benefit from special green fee rates for guests and receive subsidised buggy and electric trolley hire. Non-playing family members may become social members of the club and make use of the clubhouse facilities, while exclusive playing privileges on the driving range at Quinta do Lago’s Paul McGinley Golf Academy are all also included in the subscription rate.
Mark Foot, general manager at Quinta do Lago Golf Club, said: “The special thing about the golf club is that we are a club principally for residents.
“For a long time, membership was restricted to property owners but Quinta do Lago is such a successful resort these days that home owners on the estate don’t necessarily play golf. This has had an effect on the golf club.
“This part of the Algarve region has a lot of good residential areas that don’t have access to a golf club but they can now with the new membership. There is clearly a growing demand for membership of a thriving club such as ours with its diverse competition and social calendar, and we are sure that lowering the barrier to entry in this way will be successful.”
Quinta do Lago Golf Club’s membership includes golfers from European countries including France, Germany and Scandinavia as well as the UK and Ireland.
European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, who has been a regular visitor to Quinta do Lago over the last 20 years, was the proud recipient of an honorary membership this summer and the club anticipates that around 65 new members will join as a result of the new scheme.
Foot added: “The wonderful thing about Quinta do Lago Golf Club is that we are able to offer all the benefits of a fully-functioning golf club at one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe. People like the idea of exclusivity and belonging to a club and we want to give our members the best experience possible during that time by offering them very private and exclusive treatment.
“We operate a full calendar of events throughout the year which appeals to both those that are fortunate to be able to spend most of the year in our oasis here in Quinta do Lago as well as those only able to spend a few weeks per year.
“We are also able to offer guaranteed members tee times, both morning and afternoon, each day that can be booked using our online system. In addition, we run around 210 competitions a year with a full social diary, with our recently built state-of-the-art exclusive members’ clubhouse providing the focal point for all of the activities.”
David Proctor, Quinta do Lago club captain, added: “We believe we can not only offer new members as much or as little competitive golf as they want but also entry to a full social calendar, with our fun ‘National Day’ events not to be missed. We are really looking forward to welcoming some new members into the club via this new membership scheme.”
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 and the new TaylorMade Fitting Center, which gives golfers the chance to enjoy the ultimate club-fitting experience by providing them with the tools and techniques used on the professional Tours.
Away from the fairways, the resort’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, take advantage of the fresh Mediterranean produce that the resort has become famous for.
Quinta do Lago Golf Club www.quintadolago.com