Meet the minds behind Matize

At Matize, golf isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle shaped by culture, creativity, and authenticity.
Born in Northern Portugal, Matize is redefining what it means to step onto the course, blending tradition with modern design and a new spirit for the game. To better understand the vision, we spoke with the founders, José, Tiago, and Marcos.

1. You’ve got deep roots in Portugal and a background in design and culture — how did that journey lead to creating Matize Golf?

Golf has been part of our founder José’s life from the beginning. While studying and later playing professionally in the U.S., he noticed a huge shift in the golf industry — more people were falling in love with the game, but the brands weren’t quite keeping up. There was a clear gap for something more modern, more expressive. When he moved back to Portugal during COVID, he joined forces with longtime friends Tiago and Marcos, both with strong ties to golf and the textile industry. With José’s family running a production unit in the North of Portugal, it all came together naturally. Matize was born at the intersection of golf, design, and craftsmanship — rooted in authenticity and built with intention.

2. What was the moment or insight that made you say, “This needs to exist — and we’re the ones to build it”?

It was when we realized that the next generation of golfers was already reshaping the game — and no brand was truly speaking to them. With our combined experience in golf, fashion, and textiles, and seeing how much players were craving something new, we knew we could offer a fresh perspective. We didn’t want to just respond to change; we wanted to be part of shaping it.

3. How has your personal connection to golf, creativity, or Portuguese heritage influenced what Matize is today?

Those are the three pillars of Matize. Each of us has over 25 years of experience in golf and deep roots in Portugal’s textile world. Our creativity isn’t manufactured — it comes from our lived experience. We’re constantly inspired by Northern Portugal, where we come from — it’s where some of the most beautiful courses meet a rich industrial legacy. It still drives everything we do.

4. Matize is a name with character — where does it come from, and what does it represent?

The name is a combination of our own: MArcos, TIago, and ZE (José’s nickname). And our logo? An albatross holding a golf ball — a nod to the seabirds commonly seen near the courses we play in Northern Portugal. For us, it symbolizes freedom, elegance, and the spirit of the game. It’s also one of the rarest scores in golf — three under par — so it stands for quiet brilliance and playing with soul.

5. What kind of golfer are you building this brand for?

For golfers who want to make the sport their own. People who love the game but don’t want to lose their identity to fit an outdated mold. Matize is for those who care about design, value culture, and believe that golf can be open, expressive, and ever-evolving.

6. How do you want people to feel when they wear Matize?

Like themselves — just more confident. Our goal is for each piece to carry that same sense of ease and intention as a great swing. Whether you’re on the course, at dinner, or in the city, you shouldn’t have to compromise comfort or identity. That’s how we design.

7. You’ve mentioned Matize is more than just apparel — what kind of world are you trying to build around the brand?

We want to be part of the full golf journey, from beginners to pros. In non-golf retail stores, we offer free practice ball vouchers at nearby courses when you buy a Matize piece — because we believe in growing the game. We’re also organizing events and sponsoring professionals who share our values. For us, it’s not just about selling clothes — it’s about building a real, living community.

8. Who is Matize really for — what kind of mindset or community are you building for?

Matize is for those who see golf as something more than a sport. It’s for people who want to bring their full personality to the course — people who embrace tradition but aren’t defined by it. We’re building a community that’s curious, open-minded, and unafraid to challenge what golf looks like today.