Talented Portuguese teenager João Girão singled himself out as a golfing star of the future after beating off competition from some of the game's top up-and-coming players to claim a deserved victory in the 2015 McGinley Junior Cup at Quinta do Lago. Girão, 16, a part of Portugal's team that was successful in Division Two at the 2015 European Amateur Team Championships in Poland last month, carded an impressive two-under-par round of 70 on Quinta do Lago's renowned Laranjal course to clinch the overall gross title at the famous resort in the Algarve.
The victory gave the Portuguese international, who plays off a plus 1.3 handicap at Oporto Golf Club, plenty to celebrate not only was he presented with his trophy by European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley, but also won a coveted wild card to 2015 Daily Telegraph BMW Junior Championship.
The prestigious 54-hole junior tournament has been won in the past by world stars including Justin Rose, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Melissa Reid and Carly Booth, and Girão will have the chance to add his name to the roll call of honours when the event takes place on Quinta do Lago's North Course from October 12-17.
Open to all boys and girls up to the age of 18, this year's McGinley Junior Cup – played over 18 holes with prizes available in four different handicap categories – attracted a high-class field including national under-14 champion Calvin Holmes, Girão's brother Afonso – also a Portuguese international – and 2015 US Kids European aged eight-and-under winner Matthew Golovanov.
Taking advantage of ideal conditions, 11-year-old Lucas Azinheiro, playing off five, had a day to remember as he scored 40 Stableford points to take victory in Category Two, with 16-handicapper Filipa Capelo, 13, winning the girls' competition with the same score.
Twelve-handicapper Max van der Heijden also produced an impressive display on the par-72 Laranjal layout to win Category Three with 39 points, while eight-year-old American starlet Golovanov underlined his enormous promise, scoring 22 points over nine holes to win the 'Benjamin's' Category off a handicap of 17.
The official winter training base for England Golf's elite squads, Quinta do Lago is perfect for a relaxing family holiday in exquisite surroundings and offers the very best in award-winning sports and leisure facilities, with three 18-hole championship courses and a wide variety of pursuits to enjoy.
