It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.
Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It’s the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event.
“Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca will be the perfect stage for an exciting match play contest for both players, on-course spectators and fans around the world watching at home.”
Team Europe are the current holders of the cup having beaten Team US 15-13 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, in 2021.
Adrenaline and energy
Set on a 215-hectare estate on Spain’s Costa del Sol, Finca Cortesin features a championship golf course, Jack Nicklaus Academy, five-star hotel, real estate, spa and sport facilities, beach club and shopping area. It has hosted many high-profile golf events including the Volvo World Match Play Championship on three occasions.
Designed by Cabell Robinson, one of the world’s leading golf course architects, the golf course was devised to incorporate the area’s original flora and fauna and is acclaimed as having the best greens in southern Spain. At nearly 7,500 yards, this is one of the longest golf courses in Europe and its character and challenging nature make it the ideal setting for a match-play competition.
Finca Cortesin has unveiled a brand-new first hole which will feature during the Solheim Cup. The new first hole at Finca Cortesin is now a drivable 256m par-4, with a large lake on the left side that reaches the front of the green, a narrow, well-protected fairway and a large but lively green. With a grandstand full of spectators, the first hole will create a unique atmosphere for players. Suzann Pettersen, the European team captain, said: “That first tee of the Solheim Cup is all adrenaline and energy.”
What the experts say
Regarded as one of the best golf courses in Spain, Top100GolfCourses.com described Finca Cortesín as “well and truly on the world stage”, while Leading Courses said it has become “a reference in the world of golf”.
This is one of Spain, and Europe’s, “very best golfing venues”, said Golf Monthly, and it is a “tough” course to play, with more than 100 bunkers “strategically placed to catch you out”. Thick shrubbery lines most fairways so “accuracy from the tee is a must”.
Given a 9/10 expert rating by The Telegraph, Finca Cortesín is a “serene retreat”, filled with “palm-studded patios” and “perfumed Mediterranean gardens”. Suites are “elegantly opulent” and there’s a “wonderful spa, plus four pools”.
Image: solheimcup2023.eu
Tickets and travel
For Solheim Cup 2023 travel, hospitality and ticket packages see: