All You Need to Know About 2023 Solheim Cup Venue Finca Cortesin

The Solheim Cup is a ruthless competition that has been dipped in controversy since its inception, with either side seemingly willing to do anything to crown the week in a winning style.  

Much like the Ryder Cup, this is a tribal contest of red v blue - and 12 tremendous golfers who are willing to leave everything out on the course for the good of the collective.

With that in mind, we can expect a tantalising edition for 2023, which is further enhanced through the beautiful setting of the Costa del Sol.

This will mark the very first time that the Solheim Cup has visited Spain, which is truly remarkable when you consider the arsenal of courses that this golf fanatic country possesses.

Travelling golfers will know the delight of golfing in Spain, with warm weather and expertly manicured routings dominating any trip to this part of the world.

In mid-September, all eyes will be on Finca Cortesin and the Spanish venue will have no doubt in delivering what looks set to be one of the most enjoyable weeks of the golfing calendar.

To increase the hype and excitement for the event, we’re going to explore what makes Finca Cortesin so special and why we should all be very excited for its week in the limelight.

Finca Cortesin

Having opened for play in 2007, the speed at which Finca Cortesin has received global recognition is truly astonishing.

Of course, when you boast a championship golf course of this quality it is difficult to not immediately fall in love with what can be best described as a golfing haven.

Finca Cortesin is located in Estepona, and Malaga - the capital of the Costa del Sol - is situated closely to the resort.

If anyone has been fortunate enough to secure tickets for this year’s Solheim Cup, you’ll be thrilled to know that the venue is 84km away from the international airport in Malaga, which equates to an approximate 50-minute car journey.

Additionally, Gibraltar can be reached in 25 minutes and if you’re willing to travel a little further, you’ll experience the beautiful Jerez in just over an hour.

Back to the resort and wow, is it a special one; it’s easy to see why the Solheim Cup was awarded to this pristine location.

Cabell Robinson - a renowned golf architect - was tasked with laying the foundations at Finca Cortesin and the American did not disappoint.

Rolling fairways, an exquisite layout and severely undulating greens all combine to arguably create the purest golfing experience found in the Mediterranean.

At the 2022 World Golf Awards, Finca Cortesin was awarded ‘Spain’s Best Golf Course’, which should further support the argument that it is truly unique and special.

Although this year will mark the venue’s inaugural hosting of a team competition, it has been showcased to golf fans previously.

The Volvo World Match Play Championship has visited on three occasions (2009, 2011 and 2012), where a stellar field faced a stern test from the magnificent golf course.

Furthermore, the success of the Match Play Championship demonstrates how interesting this golf course is in a match play environment - which is what the Solheim Cup is contested in.  

Finca Cortesin Golf Course

The golf course extends to roughly 7,500 yards from the tips, which would provide a challenge for any golfer in the world, regardless of ability.

Cabell Robinson’s vision was simple: to create a routing where each and every hole can be deemed as championship quality.

It’s safe to say that his dream was realised.

Gigantic greens, coupled with daunting undulations, place a real premium on putting - which is typically the difference in match play format.

Furthermore, there are more than 100 bunkers scattered across the property, with each bunker being positioned for strategic matters.

As expected, there are a few holes that truly standout and the first to really elevate itself is the par five 3rd.

Accuracy will be vital as golfers will be required to carry their shot over water, but this is merely the start of the danger.

The 10th provides stunning views of the nearby mountains whilst the 11th - another long par five - will punish any errant shot or decision.

Perhaps the most intimidating is the par four 13th; an elevated tee shot to a wide fairway is the easiest part before you attempt to find a green that is sternly guarded through bunkering.

Additional Facilities

By now, you will start to understand the grandeur that is found at Finca Cortesin, but their services extend far beyond golf.

The stunning hotel is home to 67 suites that boast four-metre-high ceilings that have been designed in a luxurious manner.

Three restaurants cater to an array of palates, with the hotel’s signature offering providing an exquisite taste into traditional Asian dishes.

El Jardin de Lutz is home to traditional Spanish cuisine; Don Giovanni proudly presents an Italian-inspired menu with food that could seemingly be delivered from the centre of Milan.

Guests may be seeking more privacy, which is why the La Reserva Villas are a wonderful choice.

Each bedroom contains an en-suite bathroom and they are available for renting in two and four-bedroom homes.

Finally, the spa at Finca Cortesin is of the highest quality and it is an ideal location for guests to unwind and unlock complete relaxation.

A gymnasium, tennis courts, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna(s) and a Turkish bath is only a few snippets of a trip to the lavish spa.

Please visit our travel partners Golfbreaks for more information.

Finca Cortesin Awards

Finca Cortesin is worthy of its Solheim Cup hosting, and it will surely encourage more trips to Spain in the not-so-distant future.

Below, we detail all the awards that the resort has won - and we must remember that they have only been in operation for 16 years!

• World Golf Awards 2022 - Europe’s Best Venue
• World Golf Awards 2022 - Spain’s Best Golf Hotel
• World Golf Awards 2022 - Spain’s Best Golf Course
• Leading Courses - #1 Golf Resort in Europe
• Conde Nast Traveller UK, US, & Italia - 2022 Gold List
• Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards - #3 Hotel in Spain & Portugal
• Travel + Leisure 2022 World’s Best Awards - #1 Resort in Spain & Portugal
• Travel + Leisure 2022 World’s Best Awards - #9 Best Resort in Europe
• Travel + Leisure 2022 World’s Best Awards - #44 Hotel in the World
• Travel + Leisure 2020 World’s Best Awards - #1 Resort Hotel in Spain & Portugal
• Conde Nast Traveller Spain - 2020 Golf List
• Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 - Best Hotel in Spain & Portugal