Despite dominating the field in the two-day competition

Ealing Golf Club’s Marcus Vining and Peter Jones missed out on glory in the Race to Portugal team competition at the Algarve’s luxurious Monte da Quinta resort.

Vining, who plays off 16, and 21-handicapper Jones scored 94 Stableford points over two rounds on Quinta do Lago’s prestigious South course but it wasn’t enough to emerge victorious as they finished 10th, some 37 points behind runaway winners Nick Haigh and Antony Chicheportiche, from Old Thorns Golf Club, Liphook.

The duo dominated the international field competing in the two-day tournament, leading from the start to finish an amazing 17 points clear of their nearest rivals.

And both players came agonisingly close to securing a memorable double as they finished joint-second in the individual competition with 71 points, one point behind winner Richie Barry, from Westport Golf Club, Co.Mayo, Ireland, with Vining a further point behind.

Golfers from around the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Germany and Belgium qualified from competitions at their home clubs which won them a place in the grand final as part of a week-long holiday in the spectacular Monte da Quinta resort.

As well as having access to some of the finest golf courses in Portugal, competitors also enjoyed the resort’s hospitality at a welcome reception, gala dinner and prize-giving and could take advantage of the first-class spa and leisure facilities.

Monte da Quinta is one of the newest accommodation options in the Algarve and includes one, two and three-bedroom layouts, with each providing a tranquil, spacious environment for guests to enjoy during their stay.

14th November 2012