2023 Solheim Cup - Let’s go Europe!

Finca Cortesin recently had the prestigious honour of hosting the 2023 Solheim Cup - the first time that Spain had staged the match between Europe and the United States. Director of Agronomy Ignacio Soto speaks about the preparations and challenges.

Located in one of the most sought-after enclaves of the Andalusian coast on a vast 215-hectare estate, the greenkeeping team at Finca Cortesin worked hard to improve the overall condition of the award-winning Championship course to heighten the playing experience.

Tell us about the planning stage

The golf course underwent a comprehensive transformation, marked by the renovation and redesign of the Solheim Cup tees, enhancing the overall experience for players and spectators alike. Significant improvements were made to the irrigation system, ensuring the lush greenery remains in pristine condition.

One of the most exciting changes was the routing alteration, which placed the challenging 4th hole as the opening tournament hole - a reachable par 4 with water all around, promising both excitement and drama from the very start. Additionally, the 7th hole, known as the longest par 4, was elegantly redesigned to enhance the landing area, making it an even more strategic and enjoyable part of the course, with the hole no longer blind from the tee box. These changes breathed new life into the course, offering golf enthusiasts an enhanced and thrilling golfing experience.

How did you deal with pressures on the run up and during the event?

Our success was undoubtedly a result of our exceptional team and the invaluable support we received from the agronomists at the Ladies European Tour. Effective and seamless communication with every member of our team and the agronomists played a pivotal role in our achievements. This collaboration and open dialogue was fundamental in ensuring that our project unfolded smoothly and efficiently, ultimately leading to our success.

Discuss final preparations and agronomy work undertaken

In the final stages of our preparations, the primary focus was on the meticulous care of our greens and bunkers. Our goal was to attain consistent green speed throughout the entire week, including practice days, ensuring that golfers experienced the same high-quality putting surface no matter when they played. This involved addressing specific areas on the greens and meticulously rolling them to achieve uniformity and optimum playing conditions.

Additionally, our efforts extended to our 115 bunkers, where a dedicated team worked diligently to maintain them. These bunkers were meticulously raked by hand twice a day, and we remained vigilant in our pursuit of uniformity to provide a fair and challenging playing experience for all participants.

What was the biggest challenge throughout the week? How did the weather affect play?

Our paramount focus revolved around achieving rolling uniformity, optimal firmness and consistent green speeds, all of which were essential factors in ensuring a level playing field throughout various weather conditions in every match. To maintain this precision, we diligently monitored and measured the speed, firmness and humidity of the greens before the commencement of each match. This meticulous attention to detail allowed us to adapt to varying weather conditions and provide golfers with a consistent and fair experience, regardless of the external factors at play.

Machinery

For our daily operations, we are equipped with an extensive fleet of Toro machinery, which forms the backbone of our maintenance efforts. In preparation for our project, we went the extra mile by borrowing additional mowers and securing a robust fleet of Toro vehicles, courtesy of Riversa, the trusted Toro distributor in Spain.

This logistical support was instrumental in facilitating the transportation of our dedicated volunteers to and from the course, ensuring the smooth functioning of our operations. Furthermore, we've embraced eco-friendly practices by incorporating a few hybrid machines and introducing two 100% electric triplex mowers specifically designed for our greens. Experiencing the art of mowing greens with electric machinery has been nothing short of exceptional, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and precision in course maintenance.

How does sustainability and environmental awareness fare in day-to-day life on the course?

Sustainability has been at the core of our golf course's ethos since its initial construction. We took great care in designing a picturesque landscape that harmoniously incorporates native flora, such as wild olive trees, various pistachia species and aromatic shrubs, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings. In 2017, a significant sustainability milestone was achieved when we transitioned our greens to Ultradwarf bermuda grass, resulting in a notable reduction in the use of pesticides across the course.

Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends to our use of 100% organic fertilisers in fairways and roughs, promoting soil health and minimizing chemical impact. When it comes to our greens, we prioritise organic and natural products. Given their warm-season grass nature, our greens thrive for the majority of the year, experiencing minimal insecticide and weed pressure.

In a bid to preserve the biodiversity of our course, we've employed the services of an ornithologist who diligently conducts a bird inventory, a task made all the more exciting due to our proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, attracting numerous migratory birds.

Intriguingly, we've even ventured into honey production on-site, creating our own honey, a sweet testament to our dedication to sustainable practices. Moreover, we've implemented a water regeneration system, ensuring that 100% of our water usage is recycled, contributing to our eco-friendly endeavours.

Lastly, we've introduced bird feed stations along the course, further nurturing our connection to the natural world and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

There is a huge recruitment crisis for greens staff in the UK, is that also true across the water?

Our commitment to our community extends beyond the golf course; it resonates with the people of Casares. We take pride in providing employment opportunities to many local residents, offering them a chance to work in the outdoors within the backdrop of this remarkable climate. For us, it's not just about the privilege of maintaining this beautiful course; it's also about sharing that privilege with our neighbours in Casares, fostering a sense of connection and mutual benefit that goes far beyond the greens.

Are there provisions for apprentices to be part of big events at the club?

Our regular crew of 25 dedicated individuals forms the backbone of our course maintenance team, working tirelessly day in and day out to ensure the optimal condition of our golf course. However, during the event week, our team received a substantial boost with the addition of an impressive roster of 40 volunteers. These volunteers were no ordinary help; they were the head greenkeepers hailing from various corners of Europe, bringing with them a wealth of expertise and experience.

Their contribution is invaluable as they assist in maintaining the course to the highest standards, guaranteeing that it was in prime condition for the tournament. It's a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our operation, where passionate professionals from across Europe come together to showcase their skills and elevate our golf course to its finest state.

How would you raise the profile of greenkeeping and sports turf in general within the media?

By improving the general education around the subject and running more internship programmes.

Do you think those steps would encourage young people into the industry?

Certainly, our primary focus is on establishing internship programmes right here in Europe. Currently, many aspiring greenkeepers find themselves compelled to seek opportunities in the United States due to the scarcity of local programmes. Our aim is to change that by creating accessible and valuable internship opportunities within Europe, ensuring that the next generation of greenkeepers can develop their skills and expertise closer to home.

What advice would you pass on to people joining the industry?

Becoming a successful greenkeeper requires dedication, hard work and a deep love for the game of golf. It's essential to learn from the best in the field, embrace the challenges and find joy in the work to truly excel in this profession.

How has the industry changed over the years?

Significant advancements in technology, particularly in irrigation systems, have brought about substantial changes in the golf course management landscape. The emphasis is now on optimising water usage and enhancing water efficiency, recognising its paramount importance in today's world. Additionally, the trend towards machinery electrification is gaining momentum, marking another positive step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility in the industry.

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GETTING PERSONAL

How long have you worked at Finca Cortesin? Fourteen years.

What would you consider has been the highlight of your career so far? Staging the Solheim Cup and having the opportunity to work in this environment everyday.

What's the best part of your job? Always being outside and around nature.

And the worst? Being outside when the weather is bad - although this is normally only a few days a year!