Located in the rolling hills of southern Spain between Marbella and Sotogrande, with the Mediterranean to one side and the tranquil Casares Mountains to the other, Finca Cortesin is one of the most picturesque and prestigious golf facilities in Spain.
The undulating fairways of the par-72 Championship course at Finca Cortesin has hosted three editions of the Volvo Match Play Championship and the renowned Jack Nicklaus Academy enhances the venue’s reputation as one of the leading places to play golf in southern Spain.
Together, Cabell B. Robinson’s course design and Gerald Huggan’s landscaping have combined to create a harmonious atmosphere, with lush surroundings including typical Mediterranean flora and forest.
Opened in 2006, the golf course offers five different tee positions, making it appealing to players of all levels and in July this year, Finca Cortesin completed a comprehensive upgrade of its greens – becoming the first golf course in Spain to feature a new, environmentally-friendly type of Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass on all its putting surfaces.
Some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including TPC Sawgrass, Quail Hollow and East Lake Golf Club have enjoyed huge success since converting to Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass greens, and golf industry expert Ken Mangum believes the many benefits from the new investment will help take the five-star golfing experience at Finca Cortesin to an even higher level. Mangum, ex-director of golf courses and grounds at Atlanta Athletic Golf Club and head consultant on the project after being recommended by Finca Cortesin head greenkeeper Ignacio Soto, said: “Many great courses around the world have used the Ultra Dwarf greens system for several years. Overall, they are more environmentally-friendly, cost effective and sustainable.
“The new greens will offer more great days of play, especially during warmer times of the year, and fewer pitchmarks will be visible. “The dark green colour and surface uniformity will provide good speed and firmness throughout the season.”
2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia compared the greens at Finca Cortesin with those at Augusta National for their quality and speed when he played here. The resort’s other world-class facilities include the elegant 67-suite Hotel Cortesin, which was recently ranked one of the best 50 hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler UK Magazine, a 6,000sqm Beach Club and an award-winning spa, featuring Spain’s only snow cave.
“As a golf resort, it’s absolutely fantastic with a beautiful hotel and great facilities. Considering the original piece of land they had to work with, they have created an excellent course. I don’t think I could have designed such an outstanding golf course on such a difficult terrain. There are big gaps between the holes, which is a good thing because you never really see another hole while you’re walking down the hole you’re playing.” – Rory McIlroy at the 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship.
Finca Cortesin hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
