Already one of the most prestigious and award-winning resorts in Spain, Finca Cortesín has just further enhanced its golfing amenities, opening a new practice area. The inauguration was highlighted by the presence of a stellar master of ceremonies, honoured Spanish professional José María Cañizares.

The new area, for short-game practice, is located to the right of the driving range, in the lower part, and offers stunning sea views.

Finca Cortesín head greenkeeper Ignacio Soto explains how the project was managed and developed.

“The first step we made was to contact our designer, Cabell Robinson, to show him the area and explain the project we had in mind. After several conversations with our professional and the manager of the Jack Nicklaus Academy, Ricardo Jiménez, we were fairly clear about what kind of playing area we wanted. It had to be an area where you could practise all shots around the green, with slopes, bunkers, different heights of grass, etc. It was also important for the shape and form to be as similar as possible to those you would find out on the course.

“Once we had our own clear ideas, the important thing was to commission a qualified builder for the work. Jerigolf completed the whole construction, from shaping to fine-tuning at the end, with excellent results.

“These new constructions,” adds Soto, “also enabled us to highlight our commitment to innovative construction systems and new materials. To that end, we have installed latest-generation Infinity model sprinklers from Toro – which are extremely versatile and easy to manoeuvre.

“As for the new varieties, we’ve built a new 800 metre green and, for the grass, chosen ultra-dwarf bermuda of the TifEagle variety. We want to see how this grass adapts to the greens on our golf course as we believe the future environmental advantages will be significant compared with those of the agrostis used up till now. The rest of the area comprises Bermuda 419, the same as on the course.”

In addition to the new short-game area, the resort also has another putting green and chipping green, as well as the practice fairway.

Francisco de Lancastre, golf manager of the complex, which is located in Casares municipality, highlights the importance of the new practice area for the Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy at Finca Cortesín.

“The new short-game area is essential for our professionals at the Jack Nicklaus Academy and for its future growth. It’s an area that Ricardo Jiménez (academy manager) and Rubén Holgado (golf professional) can use and enjoy with their clients and club members, to enable them to work on and improve an aspect of the game that is so important for all players, both amateur and professional.

- You had a very special guest for the inauguration of the new area, José María Cañizares, who was the master of ceremonies. What was this experience like?

- It was fantastic for us to have José María Cañizares as our guest, a true legend of European golf and someone for whom everyone at Finca Cortesín – from the management to the owners – has a special affection. The inauguration of the new area coincided with another edition of the Finca Cortesín Cup, an event involving members from various Spanish and international clubs. José María Cañizares offered us a fantastic clinic, and we all greatly enjoyed his experience. The feedback from everyone was awesome.

- Finca Cortesín is one of the most prestigious and renowned courses in Spain. Apart from its extraordinary sporting pedigree, having hosted three World Match Play Championships, what are the main keys to its success?

- I believe the key is having a vision and strategy based on defining what we want to be and how far we want to go, and that has been and is essential for such an ambitious project as Finca Cortesín. As you noted, the golf course has a legacy of three World Match Play Championships, which is important when combined with excellent service and maintenance and ongoing investment in improving all departments. This provides us with a formula for success and solid guarantees for the future.

In addition to the golf course, Finca Cortesín has a truly amazing hotel that offers everything a client can possibly want in a quality environment. Its spa, beach club and culinary options – which have just been honoured with a Michelin star for the Kabuki Raw restaurant – together with its décor and gardens, all make this a fantastic setting for holidays or a few days of rest and relaxation.

Neither can we overlook Finca Cortesín’s real estate project, which has been a success in its own right and continues to grow, with the owners investing in new projects that have been initiated this year (2015). That all helps us to create a destination at Finca Cortesín and spread the word about our brand in the markets which we believe are important for our future development.