A month out from Finca Cortesin’s hosting of the 2023 Solheim Cup, GBN talks to Ignacio Soto, the resort’s Director of Agronomy, about preparations for hosting the prestigious matches, the resort’s recent GEO Certification, and how they hope to use the Solheim Cup as a way of further promoting female involvement within the agronomy sector of the golf industry.
Finca Cortesin was recently awarded GEO Certification status. Could you explain the significance of the resort obtaining this certification for its golf course? What does the certification entail and how does it contribute to the resort’s sustainability goals?
Obtaining GEO Certification status for our golf course is a remarkable accomplishment that underlines our unwavering dedication to sustainability. It is a key recognition for Finca Cortesin as we have been working hard over many years with the support and vision from the ownership since the early days of the resort to incorporate a sustainable environment, especially before the start of the Solheim Cup in September.
The certification not only demonstrates our adherence to rigorous environmental standards but also showcases our commitment to creating a more environmentally friendly and responsible future for our guests, the local community, and the golf industry as a whole.
In light of the Solheim Cup, what are some of the sustainable agronomy practices and course preparation techniques that Finca Cortesin is employing to maintain environmental responsibility?
We are fully committed to environmental responsibility, especially in preparation of hosting the prestigious Solheim Cup in September. A number of sustainable agronomy practices and on-course techniques have been implemented over the last few years.
Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in our use of 100% regenerated water for irrigation, minimizing our impact on local water resources. Additionally, the resort opted for warm season grasses, specially Ultradwarf Bermuda grass that is well adapted to our climate, to be implemented across all the greens on the course.
These practices not only ensure a world-class golfing experience but also showcase our unwavering commitment to preserving the environment while hosting this esteemed event.
Hosting the 2023 Solheim Cup is very significant for Finca Cortesin. Can you tell us about the golf course preparations that have taken place to ensure the resort is ready to welcome this prestigious event?
Hosting the 2023 Solheim Cup holds immense significance for the resort, and we have taken comprehensive measures to ensure our golf course is primed to welcome this event.
While we are always prepared to host tournaments, this year, we have gone above and beyond by closing the golf course for three weeks in June to focus on even more meticulous preparations. This included conducting an intensive aerification process across all areas, enhancing the playability and overall condition of the course.
We have also made significant improvements to our irrigation system, optimizing water usage to ensure every drop counts. These preparations demonstrate our ability to provide the best possible experience for both players and spectators, as well showcase our world-class facility to a global audience.
What are some of the key factors to consider when preparing the golf course to host the Solheim Cup?
When preparing the golf course for the Solheim Cup, there are several key factors that demand our utmost attention. Given the dry period that we are currently experiencing in Spain, one of the most critical considerations is irrigation control and efficiency. Managing water resources will be our biggest challenge during the summer.
Our team is dedicated to implementing attentive irrigation strategies and leveraging advanced technologies to ensure the course remains in optimal condition while maximising water conservation efforts. By prioritizing efficient irrigation practices, we aim to strike a balance between providing a world-class playing surface for the Solheim cup and addressing the environmental concerns posed by the prevailing dry conditions.
How do you handle the balance between providing a challenging playing experience for the professionals while maintaining playability for the average golfer?
At the resort, we pride ourselves on striking the perfect balance between providing a challenging playing experience for professionals and maintaining excellent playability for the average golfer. This is achieved through maintaining daily course conditions that closely resemble tournament conditions. While the average players and members may find the course slightly more challenging, they truly appreciate and enjoy these high-quality conditions.
Our commitment to delivering exceptional standards ensures that both professionals and recreational golfers can fully embrace the unique and rewarding experience that our course offers.
What steps would you take to monitor and manage the health of the turfgrass leading up to and during the Solheim Cup?
To ensure the health and vitality of our turfgrass leading up to and during the Solheim Cup, we adopt a strategic approach that involves careful monitoring and management. During the summer months, we prioritize a conservative approach, ensuring the grass receives the necessary nutrients, water, and care it needs to withstand the challenging conditions.
As we approach the tournament, our work becomes more aggressive, intensifying our efforts in the final two or three weeks to achieve impeccable conditions. This balance of conservative and aggressive turfgrass management allows us to create a pristine playing surface that showcases the very best of our course and provides an exceptional experience for both players and spectators.
Can you explain the process that will be taken for selecting and preparing the rough areas on the course during the Solheim Cup?
In selecting and preparing the rough areas for the Solheim Cup, we have a unique advantage with our 100% Bermuda grass covering the entire course. With generous fairways and intermediate rough, we aim to strike a balance between challenging the players and maintaining playability.
We anticipate the majority of difficulties for the players will be around the greens, where precise shots and delicate approaches will be crucial. While the heavy rough may not be a prominent feature, the strategic design and intricate green complexes will provide the desired level of challenge for the professionals competing at the Solheim Cup.
Have you faced any challenges during your preparations for the event, and how have you overcome them?
Preparing for this event has certainly presented its fair share of challenges, but we have approached them head-on with determination and creativity. One of the significant tasks we undertook was the transformation and pruning of the landscape throughout the golf course. This involved strategically enhancing visibility, improving playability, and ensuring the overall aesthetic appeal.
Overcoming these challenges required careful planning, collaboration with our dedicated team, and leveraging our expertise in golf course management. Through our collective efforts, we have successfully transformed the course, creating an environment that not only meets the demanding standards of the Solheim Cup but also offers an exquisite visual experience for both players and spectators.
What lasting benefits or improvements does Finca Cortesin aim to achieve for the golf course as a result of hosting the Solheim Cup, in terms of course infrastructure, agronomic techniques, or turf management strategies?
The Solheim Cup provides us with a valuable opportunity to make lasting improvements and achieve new milestones for our golf course at Finca Cortesin. We are fully committed to capitalizing on this moment by making substantial investments in course infrastructure, agronomic techniques, and turf management strategies.
These investments include renovations in areas such as tees and bunkers, ensuring they meet the highest standards of playability and aesthetics. Additionally, we are acquiring advanced machinery and equipment to enhance our maintenance practices and elevate the course conditions to an even higher level moving forward.
The event serves as a catalyst for our continuous pursuit of excellence, leaving a lasting legacy of improved course quality and heightened player experiences for years to come.
How does Finca Cortesin plan to utilise the Solheim Cup as a platform to promote women’s golf and empower females working in agronomy, particularly in terms of providing training programmes and development opportunities?
We are thrilled to utilize the Solheim Cup as a powerful platform to promote women’s golf and empower females working in agronomy. There has been a significant increase in female players at our course and empowering them is a key focus for us. To support this goal, we have created training programs and development opportunities to foster their growth and advancement.
A number of talented women will be volunteering in our agronomy team during the Solheim Cup, gaining invaluable experience and showcasing their skills. The resort is dedicated to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive and diverse environment within the golf industry, and the Solheim Cup provides an exceptional opportunity for us to celebrate and empower women in golf.
The 2023 Solheim Cup is being held at Finca Cortesin in Spain from September 22-24. For tickets, visit solheimcup2023.eu/tickets-2023/