The Solheim Cup – The Rivalry Continues

The Costa del Sol has long been regarded as one of the finest places in Europe to play golf. Golf tourism is a hugely important part of the local economy as players flock to enjoy sunshine golf, normally during the quieter low season months when the weather is a little cooler. The coast is also home to some truly magnificent courses including Royal Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha and the mighty Valderrama. The latter was the scene of one of the most emotional Ryder Cups ever, as Seve Ballesteros was the inspirational captain who led Europe to victory over the US.

This year the Solheim Cup 2023, which is the female equivalent to the men's Ryder Cup, takes place from 18 to 24 September 2023. The international women's golf competition, which will see the European and American teams compete against each other, is being held for the first time in Spain at the superb Finca Cortesín.

Considered one of the best courses in Spain, Finca Cortesín has been the venue for several large tournaments, such as three World Match Play Championships. Located on the road up to Casares, Finca Cortesín stands out as a modern course, with greens that were renewed in 2017.

As the most prestigious event for female teams on the international golf calendar, the Solheim Cup will focus the golf world’s attention on Andalusia, providing it with an excellent platform to highlight the superb the climate, gastronomy, leisure and culture of the region.

The competition itself sees two teams of twelve players representing Europe and the United States competing over three days in a total of twenty-eight games (eight foursomes and eight four-ball games on the first two days and twelve singles games on the final day).

Held every two years, the event has grown into the most highly coveted trophy in women’s professional golf team competition, and this year’s event looks to be one of the most exciting in decades.

Although the Solheim Cup overall record might seem to favour the US, in the recent history of this biennial competition Team Europe have become the team to beat. After winning four of the last six Solheim Cups, including an unforgettable and thrilling contest at Gleneagles in 2019, legend, Team Europe always has an impressive proven combination of youth and experience. Captained by Suzann Pettersen it will be interesting to see if any of the new generation of Spanish golfers get the chance to wow their fans on “home ground”.

You write Team USA off at your peril, however. With Stacy Lewis at the helm, the U.S. Team will be looking to add to its formidable record of winning the Solheim Cup ten times and only losing twice at home, turning their courses into veritable strongholds. With Lexi Thompson, the Korda sisters, Danielle Kang and Marina Alex as stars, a renewed U.S. Team will be a formidable opponent in this year’s Solheim Cup.

The action starts in September and is a “much watch” for any golf enthusiast. Who knows what new legends will be made at Finca Cortesín? Don’t miss it!