Now added to the responsibility of being in charge of one of the finest golf resorts in Europe is the further task of ensuring that the venue for the 2023 Solheim Cup contributes to the success of one of the premier events in global women’s golf.
For Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesín, the next edition of the biennial tournament between Europe and the United States is more than just a challenge: it is also a new incentive for his long and successful professional career. The acclaimed Costa del Sol resort has the advantage of already having hosted world-class golf events, as the venue for three Volvo World Match Championships. The resort's multi-award-winning hotel will be the perfect accommodation for the cast of great players who, in this intercontinental duel in September 2023, will be testing their skills on a spectacular course designed by Cabell B. Robinson.
After the experience of hosting the Volvo World Match Championships, what does it mean for Finca Cortesín to be the venue for the 2023 Solheim Cup?
We are extremely happy to be the host venue of the Solheim Cup in 2023. As you mentioned, we have experience in hosting world-class events such as the Volvo World Match Play Championship on three occasions in the past, and we are fully committed to making the Solheim Cup a huge success for all stakeholders involved.
Finca Cortesín has also been hugely committed to women’s golf. Is the 2023 Solñheim Cup the culmination of this commitment?
Yes, Finca Cortesin has always been supportive of women’s golf since its very beginnings and we have supported a number of Spanish professionals, including two current players on the Ladies European Tour who are from the Costa del Sol, Noemí Jiménez and Laura Gomez.
What benefits are there for a tournament like this to be held at a resort such as yours, with a high-end hotel, villas and a course considered among the best in Europe?
Hosting an event such as the Solheim Cup at a resort like Finca Cortesin is the perfect match, not only from a prestige and quality perspective, but also from a logistics standpoint for all the players and teams. We are absolutely confident that the players will enjoy their experience while at the resort, as well as all the visitors who come and watch the matches on-site. We have one of Europe’s finest resorts and we will ensure it is projected in the best possible light.
Will any major changes be required on the course for it to host the Solheim Cup – or are they not necessary?
We are lucky to have one of Europe’s best-conditioned golf courses year-round, and therefore we are not required to make any major changes to our regular maintenance routines and schedules. There will be some work around our landscaped areas to open up more space for hospitality and spectator areas that will be built for the event – but this is all normal for the size of an event such as the Solheim Cup.
What values do Finca Cortesín share with a competition such as the Solheim Cup?
The values we share with the Solheim Cup are one of the main reasons why we were delighted to be part of this event and be the host venue. We share values such as effort, achievement, perseverance, respect, equality and sustainability, and that is a significant factor for alignment with the event. We were also delighted with the nomination of Suzann Pettersen as the European team captain, as we know how much importance she also places on sustainability initiatives.
