Quinta do Lago Memorial Golf Event Boosts Portugal’s Next Generation of Young Golf Talent

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

See Full Bio

September 3, 2026 10:25 PM

Image generated with Ai

The Quinta do Lago Memorial Golf Event raised €12,000 to fund youth golf in Portugal as a dedication to the life of the talented Portuguese golfer, Tiago Sousa. Professional golfing pathway creation for children and the funding of professional golfing coaching opportunities is made possible through family golf tournaments. These opportunities help spark the passion for golfing in children and help develop the younger players.

The fourth edition of the Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament took place on Quinta do Lago’s South Course in August, welcoming 88 players for a special day combining golf, family connection and fundraising. The funds raised will support the newly launched Tiago Sousa Golf Project, created to continue Tiago’s passion for the sport and encourage more children to take up golf.

Developed in partnership with the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, Quinta do Lago and the Portuguese Golf Federation, the initiative will introduce professional golf coaching programmes in local schools. The project aims to provide children with greater access to the sport while helping them build skills, confidence and a lasting connection with golf.

The memorial tournament celebrates the life and legacy of Tiago Sousa, who was a cherished member of the Quinta do Lago golfing community. As a former participant in the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Junior Club, Tiago discovered his passion for golf at the resort and went on to pursue his dream of becoming a professional player.

Tiago later moved to the United States on a golf scholarship to continue his education and develop his sporting career. However, his journey was tragically cut short on 15 March 2022, when he lost his life in an accident while returning from a college golf tournament along with five teammates and their coach.

Through the annual memorial event, Quinta do Lago continues to celebrate Tiago’s love for golf and his impact on the community. The tournament’s family-focused format allows parents and children of all ages to participate together, highlighting the importance of passing the passion for golf from one generation to the next.

European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley attended the event as host and led the prize-giving ceremony. Kevin and Diego Leslie secured the memorial trophy with an impressive gross score of 65, finishing three shots ahead of runners-up Ricardo Afonso and Amelia Gabin, who recorded a score of 68.

Callum Burgess, head golf professional at the Paul McGinley Academy, said: “Tiago was a very special part of the Quinta do Lago family and it is incredibly meaningful to see his love for golf continue to inspire others.

“The vision behind the tournament is to create something positive from Tiago’s legacy. By helping more children experience golf, learn the game and discover everything it can offer, we hope to give them the same sense of enjoyment and opportunity that Tiago found through the sport.

“This year’s tournament was a wonderful celebration of Tiago’s memory and the generosity of everyone who supported it. We are incredibly proud that the funds raised will now help us take golf into local schools and introduce the game to a new generation.”

The Tiago Sousa Golf Project represents another important milestone in Quinta do Lago’s ongoing dedication to nurturing junior golf and supporting emerging talent. The resort continues to provide young players with opportunities through the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, alongside a comprehensive year-round schedule of junior coaching sessions, training camps and competitions. These include prestigious events such as the Paul McGinley Junior Cup and the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship.

Located across 2,000 acres within the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago remains a leading destination for luxury living, world-class golf, high-performance sport and active lifestyle experiences. Beyond its renowned golf courses, the resort offers an outstanding dining scene, featuring 14 restaurants and bars that provide a wide variety of culinary experiences for visitors and residents alike.