Fourth annual tournament raises over €12,000 to support the Tiago Sousa Golf Project
— September 16, 2026
The fourth annual Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament, held on Quinta do Lago’s South Course in August, brought together 88 players for a day of golf and family, raising more than €12,000 towards the new Tiago Sousa Golf Project.
The tournament celebrated the life and legacy of Tiago Sousa, a much-loved member of the Quinta do Lago golfing community and a former member of the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Junior Club. Tiago developed his passion for golf at the resort before pursuing his ambition of becoming a professional golfer.
He later left Portugal to attend university in the United States on a golf scholarship. On March 15, 2022, Tiago lost his life in an accident whilst returning from a university golf tournament, alongside five of his teammates and their coach.
His connection with Quinta do Lago continues through the memorial tournament, which places family at the heart of the event and aims to ensure his love for golf lives on. The competition is open to a parent and child, with no age restriction on the child, reflecting the importance of sharing the sport across generations.
The next generation
Created in collaboration with the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, Quinta do Lago and the Portuguese Golf Federation, the Tiago Sousa Golf Project will use the funds raised to bring professional golf coaching into local schools, giving more children the opportunity to discover the sport and develop their skills.
European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley hosted the event and led the prize-giving ceremony. Kevin and Diego Leslie claimed the memorial trophy with a gross score of 65, finishing three shots ahead of runners-up Ricardo Afonso and Amelia Gabin, who carded a 68.
Callum Burgess, head golf professional at the Paul McGinley Golf 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.”
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