© LET

Spain, which will host the Solheim Cup, a prestigious international professional golf tournament for women, for the first time in its history, is no stranger to the organization of high-level golf events, rich in a history so masculine than feminine. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and has hosted 75 events on the LET and LETAS calendar, including the season's Order of Merit - the Race to Costa Del Sol.

Following in the footsteps of Scotland, the latest destination to host the memorable match-play competition on European soil in 2019, and of Toledo, Ohio, which will host the next competition in 2021, Spain becomes the sixth European nation to host the largest team event in women's golf, after previous countries including Wales, Sweden, Ireland and Germany.

Located in the heart of Andalusia's Costa del Sol, Finca Cortesin is known worldwide as an elite golf destination. It has already organized three Volvo World Match Play Championship and regularly appears in the list of the five “best courses” in Spain established by the magazines Golf World and Golf Digest. It also benefited in 2017 from a complete modernization of all putting surfaces, it is also renowned for the excellent condition of its fairways, greens and for its stimulating course design, an ideal complement to its attractive landscaping. .

Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, said of this news:

“We are delighted to announce that Spain will be the host country of the Solheim Cup 2023 when it returns to European soil for the 18th edition of this major international team golf event. Spain is a passionate golf nation, with discerning fans and a history of generations of talented budding golfers, while Andalusia's strong cultural heritage will provide a unique experience for players, guests and supporters. The tournament will not only strengthen the country's reputation as an elite golfing nation, but also the Costa del Sol as a must-see destination, which will help inspire the next generation of young people to step into the game. ”

Azahara Munoz and Carlota Ciganda present the legendary Solhaim Cup © LET

Spanish women golfers have been an integral part of the tournament since the first edition in 1990. Over the years, no less than seven players have represented the European team, with only Sweden and England having contributed to the organization of previous Solheim Cups. Most recently, local favorite Carlota Ciganda has made the last four consecutive competitions, while Costa del Sol star Azahara Munoz has also made four appearances since her debut in 2011.

The Costa del Sol joins the Global Partner family for the 2023 edition, alongside PING and Rolex who are long-time Solheim Cup supporters. Deporte & Business will organize the event, in collaboration with the Ladies European Tour, to present all aspects of the tournament.

Deporte & Business Managing Director Íñigo Aramburu said:

“It is an honor to host the Solheim Cup in Spain. Without a doubt, a good understanding between all the institutions involved was a key factor. Andalusia, the Costa del Sol, Acosol, Marbella Town Hall, Benahavís Town Hall and the Royal Spanish Golf Federation have gone hand in hand to take a step that will promote quality tourism in Andalusia, and that will highlight evidence the Costa del Sol as a must-see destination for women's golf. I would like to thank the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour for the confidence they have placed in the Spanish bid. "

“I can assure you that we will try to put on the best and most entertaining Solheim Cup in history. The Costa del Sol is a unique destination in the world and thanks to this event everyone will be able to see it. I would also like to point out that the Solheim Cup venue, the Finca Cortesin, is one of the best golf courses in Europe and its hotel has been ranked first in Spain and Portugal, so teams will benefit from a World class hospitality in a spectacular setting. "

The next Solheim Cup 2021 will take place in Toledo, Ohio, September 4-6. The US team aims to recover the trophy from the European team, which won the 2019 edition thanks to a spectacular putt from Suzanne Peterssen on the last green in the last individual match.

The Solheim Cup was first held in Florida in 1990 and is named after club maker Karsten Solheim, who pioneered its creation. The Solheim Cup is contested between two teams of 12 players over three days. It follows the same format as the Ryder Cup, with 28 matches - eight foursomes and eight fourballs in the first two days and 12 individuals on the final day.

To know more : http://www.solheimcup.com/

To read our last article on the same topic:

Solheim Cup: Michelle Wie West will be Team USA assistant captain