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The most important tournament of women’s golf begins with the welcome of the representatives of the Diputación de Málaga, Costa del Sol and Acosol, the municipalities of Benahavís, Casares and Marbella, and Finca Cortesín, accompanied by Ana Belén Sánchez, Spanish player of the 2003 Solheim Cup.
The Solheim Cup 2023 has officially started its big week with a ceremony in which the representatives of the different bodies involved in the celebration of the tournament, have given a warm welcome to all and have been pleased that the Costa del Sol becomes these days in the epicenter of women’s golf worldwide.
Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesín, opened the ceremony, reiterating “the pride and pleasure” of hosting the Solheim Cup. “We have prepared thoroughly to make this event an experience for everyone, both teams and spectators. I hope everyone enjoys what will be a historic page in the history of golf in Spain.”
She was followed by Ana Belén Sánchez, professional player and member of the European team of the 2003 Solheim Cup, who thanked the institutions for supporting the project and highlighted “the pride I feel, as a Malagueña, that this Solheim Cup is being played in my homeland. I was the first Malaga, third Spanish, to play this tournament and if twenty years ago it was already important, this year will be impressive. I am convinced that it will be a turning point for women’s golf in Spain”.
Then, Francisco Salado, President of the Diputación de Málaga; Manuel Cardeña, President of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol and Acosol; José Antonio Mena and Juan Luís Villalón, mayors of Benahavís and Casares respectively; Ángeles Muñoz, Mayoress of Marbella; and Pablo Masilla, President of the Real Federación Andaluza de Golf, visited the main facilities of the Solheim Cup.
Finca Cortesín, in a perfect state of repair
The stage of the Solheim Cup is already looking its best after some important touches. The most important, undoubtedly, has been that the original hole 4 has become hole 1, so that the first challenge that the players will face will have a spectacular lake in front and “invite” to try to reach the green from the tee. Undoubtedly, this will be the best start of each match with the public roaring in the stands around the tee.
This variation will also cause a change in the course of the first six holes, but not in their design, while the 11th hole will be transformed from a par 5 to a par 4.
Much more than golf
The jewel of Finca Cortesín is undoubtedly its golf course, but the resort’s facilities include other pillars such as its excellent clubhouse, its Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy and, above all, its five-star hotel, where both Solheim Cup teams will be staying.
Finally, the Spa, with more than 2,000 m2; the gardens, which occupy 23,000 m2; the impressive Beach Club, four swimming pools and tennis and paddle tennis courts, make up a resort ranked among the best in the world.
On the 1st tee with Vu and Korda
During their tour of the Finca Cortesin facilities and the striking 1st tee, the delegation enjoyed the training of the Americans Lilia Vu and Nelly Korda, currently number 2 and 3 in the world.
Batacola, present at the Solheim Cup
Art, fashion, culture and tradition come together in this exclusive exhibition created by Fashion Art by Manuel Fernández, who has designed 60 tailed gowns, one of the most flamenco and Andalusian symbols, exclusively for the Solheim Cup 2023.
