Clubhouse Algarve is committed to supporting junior golf in Portugal and it gives great pleasure to report the most recent success of Vilamoura junior, Vitor Lopes. The 18-year old was in the 21-strong field competing in the prestigious Telegraph Junior Championship, in association with BMW and who were welcomed to Quinta do Lago by Paul McGinley, Europe’s winning Ryder Cup captain. Lopes emerged triumphant and in doing so became the first player from Portugal – and indeed continental Europe – to win the 54-hole strokeplay tournament. His four-stroke winning margin proved too much for the chasing pack, which included England regulars, Rhys Nevin-Wharton, who finished second, Ashton Turner and Oliver Farrell. In the girls’ event, Lincolnshire’s India Clyburn just held on from rising talent, Lily Downs, to round off a fine year after capturing the English Ladies’ Amateur title.
Reflecting the international status of golf in the Algarve, John Dwyer, Quinta do Lago’s chief executive, confirmed that the Telegraph event – which next year will celebrate its 30th anniversary following the first running at the Belfry in 1985 – is to be held at the resort for the next three years. Peter Walker, of BMW, also confirmed that the two champions would line-up – for the second consecutive year – at the Celebrity Pro-Am ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. “We always like to get involved at grass roots level and this is a huge event,” Walker said.
At the closing gala dinner a delighted Lopes eloquently delivered a sincere and amusing speech including his description of how, as he recalled that his drive on the closing hole had found a rather awkward lie, he had made “new friends, even the R&A referee”. At the same time, though, the serious ambition of the junior from Vilamoura to reach the very top was very evident.
Paul McGinley also spoke at the dinner providing invaluable advice and encouragement for all of the finalists and highlighted the importance of sponsors on players’ careers. “One of the things I am most proud of is my association with them,” the humble Irishman said. “It has lasted throughout my career and it’s not like I am a great golfer. It’s a two-way thing and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
With Justin Rose among previous winners of this competition, it is extremely likely that Quinta do Lago has this year been host to golfing stars of the future including, of course, Vitor Lopes. Such accomplished performers provide inspiration for young, aspiring players to guarantee a very healthy future for golf in Portugal.