For those who have not heard, the Solheim Cup will be played at Finca Cortesin between 18-24 Sept 2023. If you´re also unaware what the Solheim cup is about it´s a ladies major golf competition between European and USA women golfers, the tournament has grown to be one of golfs most popular competitions on the international golf calendar and viewing figures vastly increased.
In 2023 it´s Europe’s turn to host the competition and Spain’s first chance to host this major golf event. Andalusia and the Costa Del Sol plays an important roll in women´s world golf with the race to the Costa Del Sol as part of their European Tour final.
Finca Cortesin
Is now considered to be one of the best golf courses in Spain and has been the venue for several large tournaments, such as three World Match Play Championships.
Now with the Solheim Cup to be hosted this is expected to be a significant event, as it is the most prestigious competition for women’s teams on the international golf calendar, add in the climate, gastronomy, leisure and culture of Andalusia this is expected to be one of the years highlights in golf and the region.
Before the Finca became one of Europe´s and Spain’s top golf courses it was a simple finca on top of a hill that had sea and mountain views with stables and locals who appreciated the simple things in life, sun, sea and good food.
The transformation from what it was to now is worlds apart, for the better? Who can say! There was one character I always remember and that was Miguel who was always happy to dance around with a bottle of wine on his head, providing you supplied it! He was a horseman-caretaker who trained them at the finca.
Here are a few photos of what it was like back in 2003 and now.
In 2000 the finca and surrounding area was part of a film set, “Don Quixote” starring John Lithgow and Bob Hoskins with the finca and local Roman Baths being used as sets, obviously the finca no longer resembles the film set but the old buildings are still there just by the roman baths.
Since those days Finca Cortesin has developed into one of the worlds top hotels with awards such as
#1 in the TOP 5 Resorts Hotels in Spain & Portugal
#2 in the TOP 15 European Resort Hotels
#11 in the TOP 100 Hotels in the World
LEADINGCOURSES
#1 in TOP 100 Best Golf Resorts in Europe 2020
The list of awards goes on and will continue.
Surrounding the 5 star complex, rustic Spain still exists with mountains and beaches within a few minutes drive, white villages such as Casares and Manilva still offering some of the old Spanish charm.
Along the coast the local village of Sabinillas and Puerto de la Duquesa with the historic town of Castillo offer further Spanish charm as well as wide beaches offering views across to Morocco.
Heading towards Marbella a few kilometres along the coast we reach Estepona which offers a fishing and leisure port as well as many shops and restaurants.
Visitors to the Solheim Cup 2023 will have plenty of locations to choose from and get to enjoy the hospitality of southern Spain.
