Appointment: Mark Tupling is the new golf course superintendent at Quinta do Lago

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After nine years as agronomy manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, Mark Tupling has been named the new golf course superintendent at Quinta do Lago’s in Portugal.

And the 40-year-old is keen to establish some mutually-beneficial relationships to preserve and enhance the natural surroundings of the resort and the location.

Tupling said: “Quinta do Lago is stunning. I have known of the property for a number of years having been within the golf industry and having been part of the European Tour Destinations portfolio.

“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. Quinta do Lago is blessed to border the Ria Formosa – one of the world’s largest nature reserves – and working with environmental organisations is going to be a focus of mine in promoting the benefits that golf courses offer in nature.”

Tupling 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. He explained: “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. 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.”

Sean Moriarty, chief executive at Quinta do Lago, said: “To be able to attract someone of Mark’s calibre is a huge coup for us. His record and CV speaks for itself and we believe he will take our standards to an even higher level.”

A number of people in the industry are congratulating Mark here on LinkedIn.