Dunlop targetting glory at the world’s largest junior golf event

Dunlop, who qualified for the event after recording an impressive five-under-par round at Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club in August, will line-up against the cream of the UK’s top up-and coming golfers for the chance to lift the title at the prestigious resort.

2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will take time out from his preparations for next year’s event at Gleneagles to greet the 21 finalists who will gather at Quinta do Lago for the climax to this year’s championship from October 9-11.

Quinta do Lago’s iconic South Course, which has staged the Portuguese Open eight times, will host the 54-strokeplay competition as the budding stars of the future compete for the chance to succeed 2012 champions Matthew Fitzpatrick, winner of this year’s US Amateur Championship, and Emily Taylor.

Previous winners have included the likes of the US Open champion Justin Rose and stars of the men’s and ladies’ tours in Europe, Oliver Fisher, Melissa Reid and Carly Booth. Every year, thousands of youngsters from across the UK take part in the competition to vie for final places – 12 for boys and nine for girls.

The event was launched in 1985 but this year will be the first time since 1994 that it is being held in Portugal’s famous Algarve region – a well-known haven for golfers throughout Europe.

McGinley said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the 2013 Telegraph BMW Junior Golf Championship. For more than 25 years, the championship has given junior golfers throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland the chance to be part of the biggest junior golf competition in the world.

“The calibre of champions over the years illustrates this is one of the ‘Majors’ on the junior golf circuit and a great starting point for many in their golfing careers. I’m looking forward to meeting the finalists at Quinta do Lago in October when they will experience the trip of a lifetime. Good luck to everyone taking part this year.”

Qualifying events were held at more than 1,000 clubs in the UK and Republic of Ireland throughout the summer and with boys and girls of all abilities invited to enter.

John Dwyer, chief executive of Quinta do Lago, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the final of such a prestigious event and look forward to meeting the 21 finalists when they will compete for the 2013 title on our South Course. We would like to wish all the juniors taking part in this year’s championship the best of luck.”

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.

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