Quinta do Lago hires new superintendent

Mark Tupling returns to Europe after nine years at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

The new golf course superintendent at Quinta do Lago is bringing his skills to the Portuguese Algarve from Dubai - and targeting an environmentally responsible approach.

After nine years as agronomy manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the Earth Course hosts the European Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Mark Tupling is determined to focus his efforts on sustainability to maintain Quinta do Lago's position as one of Europe's leading resorts. And Tupling, 40, wants to establish some mutually beneficial relationships to preserve and enhance the natural surroundings of the resort and the location.

"I am an advocate for environmentally responsible approaches to life and this is something I also aspire to uphold in the way I manage golf courses," he said. "Quinta do Lago is blessed to border the Ria Formosa - one of the world's largest nature reserves - and working with environmental organizations is going to be a focus of mine in promoting the benefits that golf courses offer in nature."

Originally from Yorkshire, Mark is the son of former professional Peter Tupling, who played in the Open Championship four times, but opted to pursue a career elsewhere in the golf industry.

"I was raised in golf as my father was a PGA professional but, knowing I was not going to follow the playing side, I took up education in golf course management and then completed an Excellence in Golf Award programme at Gleneagles," he said. "That's where I fell in love with the turf industry."

"When the opportunity came up to join Quinta do Lago, it was impossible to refuse. Our time in the UAE was coming to a natural conclusion and our two girls are entering their formative school years, so a move to Europe was already in our minds. But the timing was perfect and it's an exciting challenge."

Quinta do Lago has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and boasts three 18-hole championship golf courses - the North, South and Laranjal.