“Every drop of water is precious”

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Next month will see the 2023 Solheim Cup take place between Europe and the USA at Finca Cortesín on the Costa del Sol, Spain. Here, we speak to the resort’s director of agronomy, Ignacio Soto, about how the course is being prepared, particularly as it resides in a hot climate.

There have been numerous improvements to the golf course at Finca Cortesin as it prepares to host the Solheim Cup, including to tee boxes, bunkers, lakes and even the re-design of a new 1st hole. Can you take us through all the major changes?

At Finca Cortesin, we are constantly striving to enhance every aspect of our golf course to provide an exceptional experience. In anticipation of hosting the prestigious Solheim Cup, we have undertaken significant improvements over the past two years. Our focus has been on creating a course that is worthy of this renowned event.

Notably, we have levelled and rebuilt all the tournament tee boxes, including the first tee, to ensure a spectacular start to the tournament. We understand the importance of setting the right atmosphere on the first hole of the Solheim Cup. Additionally, we have reconstructed the landing area on the 7th fairway, further refining the playing conditions. These major changes demonstrate our commitment to delivering an extraordinary golfing experience for players and spectators alike.

How has your working life been affected by the run-up to the Solheim Cup? How many greenkeepers will be working during the event?

The run-up to the Solheim Cup has been a very busy time for all of us at Finca Cortesin. Our focus on attention to detail, especially in maintaining the pristine landscape, has intensified. We strive to ensure that every aspect of the golf course is in top-notch condition for the event. The resort will have a dedicated team of around 80 greenkeepers during the tournament week. This includes 45 volunteers from various parts of Europe, who generously contribute their skills and expertise to make the Solheim Cup a remarkable success.

The golf course at Finca Cortesin prides itself on being environmentally-friendly. What measures have been brought in over the last few years?

Being environmentally-friendly is a core value for Finca Cortesin, and it is a commitment shared by our dedicated greenkeepers. We understand the importance of preserving and nurturing our natural surroundings, which is inherent to our profession. Over the past few years, we have implemented several measures to uphold this ethos. Firstly, we utilise 100 percent regenerated water, ensuring responsible water usage. Additionally, we have transitioned to warm-season grass throughout the entire course, including the greens, which were renovated and converted to bermuda grass in 2017.

Moreover, we are currently engaged in a bird identification project that commenced last year, with the aim of completing it before the Solheim Cup. As part of this initiative, we have installed bird boxes and feeding stations, creating a hospitable environment for local bird species. Furthermore, we take pride in producing our own honey from the bee hives at Finca Cortesin, further exemplifying our commitment to sustainability and supporting local ecosystems. These collective efforts reflect our dedication to maintaining an environmentally-conscious approach.

Being on the Costa del Sol, how do you cope with the course’s need for water in your day-to-day operations?

As a golf course situated on the Costa del Sol, we understand the significance of water conservation in our day-to-day operations. To address this, we have implemented a comprehensive approach by utilising 100 percent regenerated water for our irrigation needs. However, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond that. We continually strive to reduce water consumption year after year, ensuring that our operations are as environmentally responsible as possible. By adopting such measures, we aim to strike a balance between providing exceptional golfing conditions and safeguarding the precious water resources of the region.

What are the biggest challenges that you have faced during your time as director of agronomy at Finca Cortesin?

The biggest challenge I have faced is undoubtedly the conservation of water. In a region like Spain, where dry periods are prevalent, every drop of water is precious. My primary focus has been on optimising our irrigation system to strike a balance between water conservation and maintaining the best possible playing conditions. It requires meticulous planning and careful management to ensure that our golf course thrives while minimising water usage. Overcoming this challenge has been a top priority, and we continuously strive to implement innovative techniques and practices to achieve sustainable water management at Finca Cortesin.