July 12, 2023 – Less than three months before the celebration of the Solheim Cup 2023, the venue for the magnificent event, Finca Cortesin, continues to prepare committedly and intensely with its master plan so that the day after, on 25th of September, we can affirm that it has been the best organized Solheim to date.

The resort highlights its excellence in managing the three most pressing issues currently in the golf world: sustainability, digitization and greenkeeping. Proof of this is the fact that it has recently been awarded GEO Certification status. In this interview, Francisco de Lancastre, General Manager of Golf & Leisure Operations at Finca Cortesin, explains how and why this Solheim Cup is going to achieve top marks in each of these areas. 

MYGOLFWAY: Finca Cortesin golf course is in full preparation for the Solheim Cup. What would you highlight about the work being done in the final phase? 

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: The final phase of preparation for the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin is truly remarkable. The agronomy team’s dedication is evident in the impeccable condition of the course, ensuring it is presented at the highest standard for this prestigious event.

The entire team has done an outstanding job collaborating with the event promoter to create an exceptional fan experience. Moreover, their efforts in working with various stakeholder entities to promote the event and showcase the destination worldwide will leave a lasting legacy and have a significant social-economic impact on the region.

MGW: How are you going to counteract the effects of climate change so that the course is in perfect condition, if we have a very hot and dry summer?

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: Our experienced Director of Agronomy, Ignacio Soto, has devised comprehensive plans to counteract the effects of climate change and ensure the golf course at Finca Cortesin remains in perfect condition, even during a hot and dry summer. While prioritizing excellent playing surfaces to the players, we also value the overall presentation of the course.

Therefore, we have specific strategies in place to achieve both objectives if faced with challenging weather conditions. Furthermore, we are proud to utilize 100% recycled water for irrigation, ensuring a reliable water supply during this period. With these measures, we are committed to maintaining the course’s high standards despite the potential challenges posed by climate change.

MGW: What GEO Certification have you received: Facility, Tournament or Development? What does the recent achievement of GEO Certification mean for Finca Cortesin? 

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: We are proud to have received GEO Facility Certification, which is a fantastic achievement as it encompasses the entire Club. This recognition is truly gratifying, especially considering that it adds to our existing certifications, including ISO 14001 and ACOSOL certification.

The recent achievement of GEO Certification signifies our commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible management practices. It validates our efforts to create a golfing facility that harmonizes with nature and priorities conservation. We are thrilled to be recognized for our endeavours and to continue setting a positive example within the industry.

MGW: What actions have you had to work on, that were pending, to get the GEO Certification? 

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: To be honest, there were not many items on the list that we hadn’t already covered, thanks to our existing ISO 14001 and ACOSOL certifications. However, we had not undergone the GEO audit before, and with the Solheim Cup and the Ladies European Tour being strong advocates of this platform, we felt it was the right time to pursue full certification.

The resort wanted to ensure we met all the criteria outlined by GEO and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Going through the audit process and achieving GEO Certification was a logical step forward for us, aligning with our ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards in environmental management.

MGW: Was this a requirement of the property, the resort management, the greenkeeping team, or the Solheim organization?

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: While obtaining the GEO Certification was not a specific requirement for the property, resort management, or the greenkeeping team, we recognized the strong advocacy and partnership of the Solheim Cup and the Ladies European Tour with the programme.

Considering this alignment and the shared commitment to sustainability, it made perfect sense for us to pursue the certification. By doing so, we demonstrate our dedication to environmental responsibility and showcase our solidarity with the Solheim Cup organization’s values and objectives.

MGW: Does the GEO Certification have more value for the immediacy of the Solheim Cup, or for the future of the resort after the Solheim Cup?

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: The value of the GEO Certification extends beyond the immediacy of the Solheim Cup and holds significance for the future of the resort. While the certification is a recognition of the exceptional work our organization does to prioritize environmental stewardship and promote best practices, it goes beyond seeking a return on investment.

Our commitment lies in doing what is right and being accountable for our actions. Obtaining GEO Certification signifies our dedication to sustainable practices and responsible management, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit the resort long after the Solheim Cup concludes.

MGW: What measures are you going to take to ensure that the Solheim Cup is the most sustainable possible?

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: To ensure that the Solheim Cup is the most sustainable possible, we are committed to implementing various measures. From a property standpoint, our existing environmental certifications enable us to consistently prioritize sustainability at all levels. However, in the context of the Solheim Cup, sustainability is a key focus for both the Ladies European Tour and the event promoter, Deporte & Business.

They have implemented numerous actions to deliver the most sustainable event to date. These include adopting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, utilizing electric courtesy vehicles, employing solar-powered generators, and striving to achieve carbon neutrality for the event. These are just a few examples of the many actions being taken to make the Solheim Cup a truly sustainable showcase.

MGW: Regarding the recycled water…

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: At Finca Cortesin, we are proud to have implemented sustainable practices that significantly reduce our water consumption on the golf course. By utilizing 100% recycled water for irrigation and maintaining warm season grasses throughout the property, we have achieved a remarkable 30% reduction in our overall water usage.

This commitment to responsible water management not only preserves this precious resource but also aligns with our dedication to sustainability. Through these measures, we strive to maintain the highest standards while minimizing our environmental impact.

MGW: In terms of digitalization, at what level do you think Finca Cortesin is globally?

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: We believe that Finca Cortesin is globally well-positioned in terms of digitalization efforts. We have made significant strides in embracing digital technologies, both in our operational and agronomy practices. This includes implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, improve communication, and streamline processes throughout our operations.

From digital management systems to advanced agronomic tools, we have leveraged technology to optimize our performance and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of digitalization ensures that we are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our global audience.

MGW: Finally, what digital coordination will be established with the Solheim Cup organization? 

FRANCISCO DE LANCASTRE: We are establishing a robust digital coordination with the Solheim Cup organization, as the event itself has a strong digital component. The majority of the services provided by the promoter will be digitally operated. This means that accreditations, tickets, and other event-related materials will be fully digital, eliminating the need for paper and print.

This initiative aligns with our commitment to being plastic-free during the event, as we strive to reduce our environmental impact. By embracing digital solutions, we can enhance efficiency, convenience, and sustainability, offering a seamless and eco-friendly experience for all attendees of the Solheim Cup.