May 7, 2024 – With the satisfaction of the job well done, of having gone well beyond the expectations and commitment, and for having provided a spectacular setting as the venue for the Solheim Cup 2023, Finca Cortesínresort has now entered a new phase in its admirable journey.

For this reason, it has appointed a prestigious Golf Manager, José Ignacio Olea from León, as the person responsible for improving the resort’s legacy, reinforcing its positioning as one of the most important golf destinations in the world, and boosting its excellence to welcome new members and real estate opportunities.

In this interview José Ignacio Olea talks about the exciting new professional challenge of directing one of the most acclaimed golf courses in Europe.

MYGOLFWAY: Can you tell us about your journey leading up to the role at Finca Cortesin? What experiences have shaped your career so far?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: Golf became my passion at age 9 in León, my hometown, and I grew up playing with my father and many other friends. Soon enough I knew I didn´t have what it takes to play professionally, but I loved both the game and the vibe at golf clubs. Some years later, I attained a scholarship to study overseas (South Carolina – USA), and graduated with Management and Marketing majors, as well as completing the PGA of America program.

During my college years, I had my first formal employment within the industry at a 72-hole Resort where I ranged from the Outside Operations team to Assistant Golf Professional. Thereafter, I have been very fortunate to manage facilities of different nature in various countries, from a course under construction, to a resort course or a private club. I think it´s wise to recognise that the adaptability to facilities of different nature, special momentums and cultures have been invaluable thus far and definitely shaped my career to date.

MGW: What motivated you to join Finca Cortesin? What excited you most about the resort?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: Finca Cortesin is definitely a different venue, and a very special place. Once you visit the resort, sample the Finca Cortesin Golf Experience, and stay at our Hotel Cortesin, it is quite natural to fall in love with it all.

In my case it really is the sum of many factors. Starting with the consistency of our vision through the years, unparalleled quality of all facilities, the commitment with excellence that transpires from our staff, our love to serve and delight our guests and most definitely the aim to lead and make a change in sustainability.

On the other side, quality of life within the Costa del Sol is simply fantastic. Weather, nature, beach, mountains, culture, gastronomy, and connectivity…you think of it, and we have it. Hence life for the family is exceptional and very rounded, and that´s something which I greatly value as part of my career path.

MGW: As the new Director of Golf, what are your key priorities and focuses over the next few months / years ahead?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: Firstly, it is to bring myself fully up to speed with regard to our operation, SOP´s and best practices; everything related to governance and supporting the team is of high relevance. In due course we will focus our efforts in opening new markets of interest, further develop the pathway of our membership club and keep redefining our culture of service.

MGW: Finca Cortesin already meets world-class standards of excellence in golf course quality, hospitality, facilities, gastronomy, sustainability, digitization, pro-shop, academy… Going into more detail, just landing in the resort, where do you see more room for improvement to start working?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: As previously described, I deeply think that Finca is a very rounded product as an overall operation, hence it´s difficult to identify major weaknesses. Maybe I would note the implementation of certain technology resources to enhance certain services and the development of a more robust member experience to serve our members as the Club grows.

MGW: The Solheim Cup was a significant event in the history of the resort. The first time ever it was held in Spain and the Costa del Sol. How do you plan to leverage this legacy and further promote women’s golf at Finca Cortesin?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: The phenomenal Solheim Cup that we all watched in 2023 was a consequence of a lot of hard work from many teams for several years. I firmly think that the Solheim legacy and its positive impact to Finca, the region, and golf in Spain started way before its celebration. We had developed a specific action plan which is still being carried out to amplify the message and position Finca as the great venue that it is.

In terms of promoting and growing women´s golf, we are proud to partner up with Ana Peláez and Nuria Iturrioz as Finca Cortesin Ambassadors; their skills but mostly their values are surely aligned with our overall vision. Moreover, we´re continuously exploring other avenues to promote women’s golf and make a positive impact in the industry.

MGW: What do you believe sets Finca Cortesin apart from other golf resorts and how do you plan to maintain and enhance this unique positioning?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: In my opinion, it is a combination of factors. Every area of our resort and every aspect of our operation has been designed for a reason and executed meticulously to attain its goal consistently. The vibe at Finca is very natural throughout all facilities and services including Clubhouse facilities, landscaping, and golf course furniture and signage for example. We also believe in a warm and attentive service, which creates a bond with our distinguished clients.  Each golf course and operation has a brand and a personality, and Finca is quite unique in that respect.

MGW: What are your target markets of golf travellers to focus on and grow in the next years: US, Asia, Middle East, UK & Ireland, North Europe?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: Within our day to day operation, we serve golfers from a very wide array of nationalities as well as Spain. It is important to consolidate those markets and delight our guests since they will be our best ambassadors around the globe. In terms of growth opportunities, we can currently identify a strong focus in the US Market for a number of reasons; moreover, there seems to be a general consensus in the region and whilst the strategic efforts are aligned I´m sure that Andalucia and the Costa del Sol will stand better opportunities of growth there.

MGW: Can you share any insights about your overall management style?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: Identifying a clear vision, strategic planning, measuring data and team commitment to reach our goals are very relevant areas of focus within my leadership style.

Since the earlier stages of my career in USA I adopted and developed a working philosophy based on embracing customer experience excellence, attention to detail, and staff development & recognition. I believe that as managers our leadership role model clearly has to include a part of mentorship in it.

MGW: Finally, on a more personal note, what is your favourite aspect of working in the golf industry, and what drives your passion for the game?

JOSÉ IGNACIO OLEA: I´ve always expressed that we´re extremely fortunate to work in an industry where we serve golfers! Regarding the type of facility, we work for happy clients who buy our services in very good spirit: They want to learn a new game, or maybe to spend quality time with their friends & family…or even wish to play a sport competitively! Hence it´s wonderful and motivating to look after people who walk through the door with a smile on their faces.

When playing golf myself, there are two feelings which are particularly special to me. One of them is the pure feeling of a good iron ball strike; the other is a very rare feeling of being in control in a hole, this doesn´t happen often but it feels good!

Thank you very much!

Pictures José Ignacio Olea: Andalucía Golf / España Golf Magazine Nº272