Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa has turned to an old friend to help prepare for hosting the biggest event in its history after appointing Francisco de Lancastre David as the new general manager of golf and leisure operations at the exclusive Spanish venue.
Francisco, who was director of golf at Finca Cortesin for two years from 2015 to 2017, has taken up his new position in Andalusia at the start of August as the build-up starts to the resort hosting the 2023 Solheim Cup.
Francisco has a wealth of experience of the global golf industry and has worked in a number of high-profile roles including, most recently, as cluster general manager for Troon International across all three properties in Abu Dhabi, including hosting several European Tour and Ladies European Tour events in the last four-and-a- half years.
He said: “I have loved working in Abu Dhabi and have met and worked with some fantastic people but the opportunity to return to Spain to a place I know so well was one that was simply too hard to turn down.
“I have some very fond memories of my previous time at Finca Cortesin. It is one of Europe’s most prestigious golfing venues and I’m relishing the chance to play a leading part in helping the resort prepare for the biggest event in ladies golf and to continue to position the resort on the world stage.”
Vicente Rubio, president of Finca Cortesin Golf Club, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Francisco back and to have appointed someone of his knowledge and expertise. I’m sure he will be a great asset to the resort as we begin preparations for staging the most important event in Finca Cortesin’s history and continue driving the resort forwards in the years ahead.”
Spain will become the sixth different European nation to stage the biggest team competition in women’s golf when the Solheim Cup heads to Andalusia in two years’ time, with the biennial contest between Europe and the United States set to take place from September 18-24, 2023.
Regarded as one of the best courses in Spain and among the premier resorts in Europe, Finca Cortesín has a proven track record for hosting high-profile tournaments including the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, with the star-studded line-up including Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald.
Located across a vast 532-acre estate in the rolling hills of southern Spain between Marbella and Sotogrande, Finca Cortesin has a well-earned reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts.
Voted as Europe’s number one resort by users of the respected website Leadingcourses.com, the resort’s 18-hole championship course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson and is the first venue in Spain to feature a new, eco-friendly variety of Bermuda grass on all its greens.
Complementing the par-72 layout are outstanding practice facilities including Finca Cortesin’s Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, while the resort’s other luxury amenities include an elegant 67-suite hotel; a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an award-winning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants.