Quinta do Lago has announced the return of its junior golf programme for 2026, headlined by summer camps, the Paul McGinley Junior Cup in August and the 41st edition of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship final in December.
The Algarve resort, which hosted the first of eight Portuguese Opens on its South Course 50 years ago, says junior golf has been part of its offering for more than five decades. The 2026 calendar runs from late June through to year’s end, built around the resort’s three 18-hole championship courses and the Paul McGinley Academy, which Quinta do Lago describes as the only one in mainland Europe.
Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship
The December final of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship is described by the resort as the “unofficial Major of junior golf.” Twelve boys and 12 girls will compete at Quinta do Lago, with entry open to UK and Republic of Ireland residents under 18 as of 1 January 2026 who hold a handicap index of 36.0 or lower. There is no charge to enter. Previous winners include Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Lottie Woad, Carly Booth, Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Melissa Reid.
Paul McGinley Junior Cup
The Paul McGinley Junior Cup runs from 20 to 22 August on the North Course, with an optional practice round on 20 August and competitive play on 21 and 22 August. Age categories span under-12 to under-18, with both boys’ and girls’ divisions. Entry costs €150, with the practice round an additional €30. Players affiliated with the Portuguese Golf Federation will have their handicap index verified through the FPG server; those registered with other federations must present a valid handicap certificate.
The North Course was completely redeveloped by architect Beau Welling in collaboration with McGinley and reopened in October 2014 following a €9.6m investment. The layout places a premium on precision and strategy.
Summer Camps
Junior camps at Quinta do Lago are scheduled from 22 June to 28 August, with sessions running from 09:00 to 12:30. The programme is split by age and ability: beginner camps focus on motor skills, coordination and golf fundamentals through structured play, while elite junior camps at the Paul McGinley Academy run from 8 July to 20 August for players aged 10 to 16 who hold an official handicap and bring their own clubs. The elite sessions are limited to eight participants per week and cost €445 per child, with a reduced rate of €410 for multiple bookings.
Callum Burgess, Quinta do Lago’s head golf professional, said: “Developing the next generation of golfers is a key focus at Quinta do Lago. With exceptional practice facilities and a dynamic calendar of junior golf camps throughout the summer, we are creating the foundations for a lifelong connection to the sport.”
Beyond the courses, the resort’s facilities include The Campus sports hub, a choice of accommodation from the boutique Magnolia Hotel to the five-star Conrad Algarve, and 14 bars and restaurants, all set within 2,000 acres of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
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Quinta do Lago is home to three 18-hole championship golf courses – the South Course, the North Course and Laranjal.
Reopened in October 2014, the North Course was completely redeveloped by renowned American golf architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. The layout has been built to the highest specifications with a €9.6m investment places the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy.
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. Having hosted the Portuguese Open on no fewer than eight occasions, the South Course is regarded as one of Portugal’s premier golfing venues and underwent a €7m upgrade in 2020 to further enhance the playing experience.
Designed by Jorge Santana da Silva in the grounds of an orange grove, Laranjal opened in 2008 and poses a serious challenge for players of all abilities. The par-72 layout 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.
Complementing the golf courses are outstanding practice facilities including the resort’s golf academy which, home to both the Quinta do Lago Performance Centre in partnership with TaylorMade and the state-of-the-art Paul McGinley Golf Academy, has undergone a significant recent upgrade.
The Campus
A state-of-the-art sport and wellness hub designed to suit professional athletes and amateurs alike, The Campus is hugely popular with residents and visitors looking to lead an active lifestyle. No matter what your sport or skill level, there’s something here to help you develop.
Tennis and padel courts, swimming pools and a vast range of gym equipment offer endless choices. There are regular classes in dance, yoga and more, including junior training camps run by some of the biggest names in sport. The high-performance gym at the site is equipped with the latest in sports technology, while the rehabilitation facilities is home to a hydrotherapy pool and recovery suite – which include a cold plunge pool. If two wheels is more your thing, head to The Bike Shed which offers a one-stop shop for cycling enthusiasts of all levels who want to enjoy the region to the full, combining bike culture with café society.
Dining
Complementing the sport and fitness offering is a choice of 14 premium bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious local and international cuisines using the freshest Mediterranean produce. Highlights include the Bovino Steakhouse, where expert chefs prepare the finest cuts of beef, Dano’s sports bar, Portuguese fine dining at Casa Velha, sumptuous seafood at Casa do Lago and Asian fusion restaurant UMAMI. Alternatively, PURE serves up a healthier option and features an abundance of fresh and vibrant ingredients available to create made-to-order dishes as soon as you step inside the bright and relaxed café.
Accommodation
Guests can choose from a diverse collection of premium options to suit every preference. The Magnolia Hotel offers a vibrant, boutique-style experience inspired by the glamour of 1950s Palm Springs, featuring stylish rooms, suites and cottages just moments from the resort’s main attractions. For those seeking refined sophistication, Conrad Algarve delivers five-star elegance with spacious designer rooms, a world-class spa and Michelin-starred dining – the epitome of modern luxury. The hotel is comprised of 154 suites, 80 apartments and two villas. Alternatively, the portfolio of Luxury Rental Villas provide the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity, set within beautifully landscaped surroundings and designed to the highest standards. Each villa combines exceptional comfort with contemporary design, allowing residents and guests to enjoy an unparalleled sense of space and serenity at the heart of the Algarve’s most prestigious resort.
Related: Best UK Golf Resorts for Couples: Great Golf, Spa Access and Good Dining
Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.