Finca Cortesín, the Málaga course that will host the Solheim Cup from September 22nd to 24th, 2023, has unveiled its new first hole for the competition. A par four where players will face the challenge of reaching the green on their tee shot while a boisterous grandstand packed with spectators creates a unique atmosphere. The stage is set for a spectacular show.

The atmosphere on the first hole of the Solheim Cup is unlike any other golf tournament. The ambiance and the decibels created by the two sets of fans—European and American—with their chants, music, and vibrant colors, transform the spectacle into a spectacle that spills out into the stands.

For this reason, the three parties involved in organizing the event: Ladies European Tour, Deporte & Business and Finca Cortesín, agreed that the 1st hole of the 2023 Solheim Cup should be a place where not only could a large number of spectators gather, but at the same time it would be a real challenge for the golfers and an unparalleled spectacle.

And that place existed, but it wasn't the original hole 1 of the course, but hole 4, so the people in charge of Finca Cortesín, with Vicente Rubio, its general manager, at the head, got to work to carry out the necessary changes.

Thus, the new 1st hole of the 2023 Solheim Cup is now a 256-meter par 4, with a large lake on the left side that reaches the entrance to the green, a narrow and well-protected fairway, and a wide but undulating green.

“Making this change was a great decision. The characteristics of the new first hole for the 2023 Solheim Cup will allow us to seat more than a thousand people in the stands above the tee, creating a fantastic atmosphere. I think it's the perfect hole to start a Solheim Cup,” said Vicente Rubio.

“This hole is, as they say in golf jargon, a risk-reward hole, since players can try to reach the green in one shot or play more conservatively. The hole's design and the significant difference in elevation between the tee and the green will make it quite a spectacle, and I have no doubt it will be a success,” he concluded.

Suzann Pettersen, the European captain, has already played this hole, with nine

Having participated in the Solheim Cup, she knows very well what it feels like when a player prepares to take that first shot.

“The feelings you experience are unlike anything you can experience in golf, like leading a major, because in this tournament you're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for your teammates, for your team… You put your whole heart into it and you want to give your best. That first tee of the Solheim Cup is all adrenaline and energy,” Pettersen confessed.

Stacey Lewis, the American captain, also had the opportunity to check out the features of the new first hole at Finca Cortesín and didn't hesitate to praise its selection: “I don't think we've ever had a first hole like this in the Solheim Cup. You can reach the green, but water comes into play quite a bit.”.

Lewis also highlighted the shape of the tee for this hole, noting that “it’s like an amphitheater, the stands are going to be high up, practically right above you, which will make the crowd feel very close. It’s definitely a great hole for the Solheim Cup,” he concluded.

The 2023 Solheim Cup, an event of exceptional public interest whose official venue is Finca Cortesín, is sponsored by PING, Costa del Sol, and Rolex as global partners; and by the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Tourism, with co-financing from the European Union, Acosol, the Marbella City Council, and the Benahavís City Council as official partners, and Reale Seguros as official sponsor. Solán de Cabras, Eversheds Sutherland, the Casares City Council, Toro, Vithas, and EZ-GO are official suppliers. Marca and Radio Marca are official media outlets. It is promoted and organized by Deporte & Business. The LET, LPGA, RFEG, CSD, and RFGA collaborate in its organization.

SOURCE: Solheim Cup 2023 Organization