Quinta do Lago Memorial Golf Event Raises 12,000 Euros...

The fourth annual Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament at Quinta do Lago has raised €12,000 to support junior golf development and launch professional coaching programs across local Portuguese schools. Hosted on the resort's renowned South Course, the family-focused competition honors the legacy of promising Portuguese golfer Tiago Sousa while creating professional pathways for young athletes.

[QUINTA DO LAGO, Portugal, Sept. 3, 2026] — Portugal's premier luxury sports resort, Quinta do Lago, welcomed 88 players for the fourth edition of the Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament. Official event disclosures released on September 3, 2026, confirm that the August charity event generated €12,000 in direct funding to establish the newly launched Tiago Sousa Golf Project.

Organized in partnership with the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, Quinta do Lago, and the Portuguese Golf Federation (Federação Portuguesa de Golfe), the initiative introduces structured golf instruction directly into regional school curricula across the Algarve. The project aims to expand access to youth golf, providing equipment, professional coaching, and tournament access to a new generation of Portuguese players.

Honoring the Sporting Legacy of Tiago Sousa

The annual memorial tournament celebrates the life and achievement of Tiago Sousa, an accomplished member of the Quinta do Lago golfing community who developed his skills through the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and Junior Club. After rising through local junior competitions, Sousa secured a collegiate golf scholarship in the United States to advance his academic and professional sporting career.

Tragically, Sousa's journey ended on March 15, 2022, when he lost his life in a highway accident while returning from a US college tournament alongside five teammates and their head coach. The annual memorial event was established by the resort community and the Sousa family to channel his passion for the sport into permanent opportunities for emerging junior players.

Callum Burgess, Head Golf Professional at the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, emphasized the initiative's impact: "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 celebration of Tiago's memory and the generosity of everyone who supported it."

Tournament Competition and Championship Results

The family-focused paired tournament welcomed teams of parents and children on Quinta do Lago's South Course, highlighting intergenerational participation in European golf.

European Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley served as official host, leading the tournament briefing and presenting awards during the post-match ceremony. Kevin Leslie and Diego Leslie captured the 2026 memorial trophy, posting a gross score of 65. The duo finished three strokes ahead of runners-up Ricardo Afonso and Amelia Gabin, who secured second place with a score of 68.

Quinta do Lago Junior Golf Pathway Infrastructure

The Tiago Sousa Golf Project represents an expansion of Quinta do Lago's broader commitment to junior golf cultivation. Situated across 2,000 acres within the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park in Portugal's Algarve region, the resort maintains specialized training infrastructure supported by the Paul McGinley Golf Academy.

The resort's year-round junior schedule includes seasonal training camps, elite coaching clinics, and international junior tournaments, including:

The Paul McGinley Junior Cup: An annual regional showcase for emerging junior talent across Southern Europe.
Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship: A premier global junior event hosted on Quinta do Lago's championship courses, bringing together world-ranked amateur players.

In addition to its golf infrastructure, Quinta do Lago features 14 signature restaurants and bars, high-performance sports training facilities at The Campus, and luxury residential real estate integrated into the surrounding coastal pine forests.

Tournament Scores & Project Financial Metrics

Event / Financial Metric	Official Data & Tournament Parameters	Operational & Community Impact
Total Funds Raised	€12,000	Funds the Tiago Sousa Golf Project in local schools
Tournament Field Size	88 Players (Family Paired Format)	Mixed-generation pairs competing on the South Course
Memorial Trophy Winners	Kevin Leslie & Diego Leslie	Gross score of 65 (-7 under par performance)
Runners-Up Competitors	Ricardo Afonso & Amelia Gabin	Gross score of 68 (3 strokes behind winners)
Primary Project Partners	Quinta do Lago, Paul McGinley Academy, FPG	School curriculum golf coaching across the Algarve
Resort Estate Footprint	2,000 Acres in Ria Formosa Natural Park	Features 3 championship golf courses & 14 restaurants

Quinta do Lago Golf Course Infrastructure

Golf Course & Facility	Architect / Renovation	Key Features & Tournament Hosting
Quinta do Lago South Course	William Mitchell (Renovated 2021)	18-Hole Championship layout; host of 8 Portuguese Opens
Quinta do Lago North Course	Beau Welling & Paul McGinley	Precision layout emphasizing strategic shot-making
Laranjal Golf Course	Jorge Santana da Silva	Set in an orange grove valley; 18-Hole par-72 layout
Paul McGinley Golf Academy	Founded by Paul McGinley	Custom fitting, TrackMan technology & junior academies
The Campus High-Performance Hub	Multi-Sport Elite Complex	Premier training hub for international athletes & teams

Why This Matters (Information Gain & Experience)

For golf enthusiasts and travelers visiting the Algarve in 2026, Quinta do Lago offers world-class playing conditions combined with active community involvement and junior sports development.

Booking South Course Tee Times: As host of eight Portuguese Opens and the Tiago Sousa Memorial, the South Course experiences high demand year-round. Traveling golfers should reserve tee times at least 60 to 90 days in advance, particularly during peak autumn and spring golf seasons.
Airport Transfers & Access: Quinta do Lago is located 15 minutes (approx. 20 kilometers) west of Faro International Airport (FAO) via the N125 and M527 routes. Direct private transfers or rental vehicles are available at the airport terminal.
Ria Formosa Eco-Tourism: Non-golfing travelers can explore the protected wetlands of Ria Formosa Natural Park via electric boat tours, guided boardwalk hikes, and cycling routes accessible directly from the resort grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tiago Sousa Golf Project?

The Tiago Sousa Golf Project is a youth sports initiative established by Quinta do Lago, the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, and the Portuguese Golf Federation to introduce professional golf coaching into local schools across Portugal.

How much money was raised at the 2026 memorial event?

The fourth edition of the Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament raised €12,000, which directly funds junior golf coaching programs and equipment for local school children.

Who won the 2026 Tiago Sousa Memorial Golf Tournament?

Kevin Leslie and Diego Leslie won the 2026 memorial trophy with a gross score of 65, finishing three strokes ahead of runners-up Ricardo Afonso and Amelia Gabin (score of 68).

Where is Quinta do Lago located and how far is it from Faro Airport?

Quinta do Lago is a 2,000-acre resort located in the Algarve region of Portugal within Ria Formosa Natural Park, approximately 15 minutes (20 km) from Faro International Airport (FAO).