Spain Golf holidays

Finca Cortesin and the 2023 Solheim Cup: a golf championship venue like no other

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Finca Cortesin, nestled in the charming town of Casares on the Andalusian coast, stands as a unique gem in Tee Times Golf Agency‘s Spanish collection. Spanning 215 hectares, this opulent golf resort is divided into six grand areas: an internationally acclaimed hotel, an exceptional residential offering, a championship golf course, an extraordinary spa and sports area, a stunning beach club, and an exclusive shopping gallery.

The resort’s exceptional site allows easy access to Marbella, the capital of Costa del Sol, and Puerto Banús and Sotogrande, two of the Mediterranean’s most significant marinas, for unforgettable Spain golf holidays. The Malaga International Airport is just a 50-minute drive away, and Gibraltar’s airport is even closer, at a 15-minute drive.

Finca Cortesin Golf Course: a renowned design

Finca Cortesin’s golf course, designed by Cabell Robinson, is world-renowned, having hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship three times (2009, 2011, and 2012) and, most recently, the Solheim Cup in 2023. This event marked Spain’s first time hosting the prestigious tournament, held from September 18 to 24, 2023. The competition saw Europe’s top female golfers face off against the United States, culminating in a historic tie, the first in the Solheim Cup’s history. The European team retained the cup thanks to Carlota Ciganda’s decisive putt on the 17th hole.

Golf Digest ranked Finca Cortesin among the best golf courses in Spain. The 18-hole course harmoniously integrates the natural Mediterranean landscape, offering an aesthetically stunning and challenging golf experience. The meticulously maintained fairways and greens and the perfect climate provide an ideal setting for year-round golf.

The resort’s hotel, ranked among the world’s top 50, ensures unparalleled luxury. Upon arrival, security guides guests to the appropriate parking area, where service assistants take care of their golf equipment, providing a seamless and opulent experience.

Finca Cortesin and sustainability

Finca Cortesin’s dedication to sustainability is unwavering, earning the prestigious GEO Certified® seal in July 2023. The resort’s golf course sets a benchmark, using 100% reclaimed water from nearby Manilva, surpassing the 50% requirement set by ACOSOL for efficient water use. Advanced water management techniques and weather monitoring systems ensure optimal water usage year-round, reflecting our deep-rooted commitment to the environment.

Finca Cortesin is not just a golf destination but a complete resort experience. It offers natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and world-class golf. It is one of the best high-level experiences for Spain golf holidays with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Photos by: Finca Cortesin & LPGA Tour.

Fam tour: exploring Costa del Sol best golf resorts

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By Jorge Diogo (Director of Sales & Marketing)

From June 9 to 13, the Tee Times Golf Agency booking department team had the privilege of embarking on an exciting fam tour through the stunning Costa del Sol. This tour was not just about work but also about enjoying some of Spain’s best golf courses and hotels. Our crew, consisting of Telma Santos, Marisa Galhardo, Atyla Miranda, Vera Santos and me, had a blast and returned with a wealth of knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

The Costa del Sol, nestled along the southern coastline of Spain, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque landscapes. However, one of its most captivating attractions is its world-class golf courses and luxurious resorts. This region has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a blend of exceptional facilities and rich cultural experiences.

During the fam tour, our team was dedicated to learning in detail about each golf course and the services of the hotels and restaurants. This commitment ensures that we can provide our clients with the most accurate and beneficial information and services.

The fam tour in detail

We began our adventure at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort, a golf course offering spectacular views towards Gibraltar and Morocco. Besides its natural beauty, we couldn’t resist trying their delicious cheese pie, which is an absolute must!

Then we continue our trip visiting The San Roque Club and La Reserva, enjoying the beauty of its golf courses, which are recognised by golfers worldwide.

Our next destination was SO/ Sotogrande, which made us feel like we were in a charming village. The spacious rooms and incredibly comfortable beds added a touch of luxury to our stay. We savoured an à la carte breakfast on the terrace, with the stunning views of the mountains and sea enhancing our dining experience.

During each day of the fam trip, we visited many golf courses and hotels, and describing each activity in detail is tough. But I want to acknowledge the kindness and friendliness we received in each place.

Hotel Finca Cortesin left us speechless with its opulence and splendour, seamlessly blending modern and classic elements. At Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, we were warmly welcomed with fresh towels, cava, and chocolates, a detail we deeply appreciated.

La Cala Resort is not only a paradise for golf lovers but also for spa enthusiasts. The METT Hotel & Beach Resort captivated us with its location facing the sea and private pools in the suites, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience.

On our last day, we ended by relaxing at the infinity pool at La Zambra, a modern-style hotel with many Andalusian features. We enjoyed a memorable welcome dinner that concluded with an excellent tiramisu prepared right at our table.

Chaparral Golf Club, a privileged place close to the sea and surrounded by a pine forest, welcomed us warmly. We enjoyed a fantastic experience at the Driving Range, followed by an exquisite lunch highlighting the club’s hospitality and culinary excellence.

We are deeply grateful to all the golf clubs and hotels that welcomed us with their warm hospitality. La Hacienda Links Golf Resort and SO/ Sotogrande, your fantastic hospitality made our stay memorable. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Finca Cortesin, El Paraíso Golf Club, Villa Padierna Hotels & Resorts, and Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort for their outstanding service. 

During our tour, we visited several premier golf and resort destinations, including The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Los Naranjos Golf Club, Atalaya Golf & Country Club, Rio Real Golf & Hotel, La Cala Resort, Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella, Marbella Golf Country Club, METT Hotel & Beach Resort, and Melia Sol Atalaya Park. 

Our thanks to all for hosting our team and sharing your magnificent facilities during the fam tour. With over 30 years of experience at Tee Times Golf Agency, we take pride in offering exceptional golf holidays in Portugal and Spain, ensuring our customers’ satisfaction.

Andalucia: sustainability innovations at Isla Canela Golf Club

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In a notable effort to promote sustainability and enhance its environmental impact, Isla Canela Golf Club has launched an improvement project with an investment exceeding €120,000. This initiative focuses on two key areas: the complete renovation and waterproofing of the existing lake and the modernization of the electrical system at its pumping station.

The 6,380 square meters lake has been newly waterproofed to ensure the optimized use of both rainwater and irrigation water (non-potable). Simultaneously, a comprehensive upgrade of the electrical system at the pumping station has been completed, along with the fabrication of the essential boiler components. These improvements are crucial for distributing water efficiently across the golf courses.

Tino Cordero, Director of Golf at Isla Canela, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This initiative follows a similar investment last year when we inaugurated our Solar Garden. We set an ambitious goal for the project timeline, as we needed to operate alongside the international golf season, and we met it successfully. This achievement is thanks to the excellent work of the various contracted companies and the coordination by the responsible departments at Isla Canela.”

With these improvements, Isla Canela aims to reduce its water consumption by 15% and lower its electrical consumption by 10%. This reduction is further supported by the photovoltaic energy production plant installed on the golf course, achieving nearly 50% energy self-sufficiency. Undoubtedly, these actions raise awareness among golf course managers, who are making consistent and realizable efforts toward sustainability.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are unwavering in our commitment to promoting the sustainable growth of golf. We actively support using renewable energy sources to power our facilities, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. We aim to enjoy the game while preserving the planet for future generations.

Isla Canela Golf Club facilities

Hotel Isla Canela Golf offers a peaceful, relaxed, and friendly setting where visitors can enjoy various activities at Isla Canela and the nearby village of Ayamonte. The hotel features 58 exclusive and elegant rooms with Andalusian-style architecture.

Isla Canela is home to two exceptional golf courses: the Isla Canela Old Course and the Isla Canela Links Course. The Old Course, with its proximity to the sea and unique vegetation, offers an unforgettable golfing experience. On the other hand, the Links Course, nestled on the left bank of the Guadiana River, provides a distinct riverside parkland that feels seamlessly integrated into a nature reserve. Both courses offer unique challenges and stunning landscapes, making them the perfect choice for those seeking a sustainable golfing experience.

Isla Canela Golf Club is an excellent destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience in their Spain golf holidays. Of course, it is part of Tee Times Golf Agency’s fantastic range of golf courses, which are offered with special packages and green fees.