Women in Golf and 2023 Solheim Cup in Costa del Sol

Every year that passes, we are seeing more and more women conquering the golf courses of the Costa del Sol. As the perfect accompaniment to the region's vast array of leisure activities, culture and gastronomy - golf courses, golf resorts and hotels in the Costa del Sol have been continuing to push the envelope to help make lady golfers feel incredibly welcome.

Over the years, the Costa del Sol has become an essential destination for prestigious golf tournaments - with both national and international reach - with women, in particular, taking their fair share of the limelight. The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España is one such event and, of course, in 2023 the biggest tournament in women's golf - the Solheim Cup - heads to Finca Cortesin in Casares.

2023 Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin

The Ladies European Tour announced a few weeks ago that Spain is due to host the 2023 Solheim Cup at the world-renowned championship course at Finca Cortesin, Andalucía, and it will take place from September 18 – 24.

Though set to host the prestigious international women's team event for the first time in the tournament's history, Spain is no stranger to staging high-profile golf events. With a rich history in both the men's and women's game, the country has hosted the Ryder Cup in 1997 and staged 75 events on the LET and LETAS calendar including the season's order of merit – The Race to Costa Del Sol.

Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, Finca Cortesin is world-renowned as an elite golfing destination. The course has previously staged three Volvo World Match Play Championships, as well as regularly featuring in the top five list of 'best golf courses in Spain' by Golf World and Golf Digest magazines.

It also recently enjoyed a comprehensive upgrade of all putting surfaces in 2017 and is known for its challenging course design, as well as for the excellent fairways and greens which perfectly supplements its attractive landscape.

Women's Competitions in the Costa del Sol

The Royal Andalusian Golf Federation successfully organises a total of 120 events for female golfers — a number that surpasses the 110 competitions per year that are exclusively for men. In this context, 62% of the female golf events in Andalusia in recent years have taken place in the Costa del Sol, which shows the growing interest that women have towards this sport.

For the fifth year in a row, the Costa del Sol has hosted The Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España, this year at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina in Marbella, from November 26th to 29th. This professional golf tournament has been part of the Ladies European Tour schedule since 2002.  Back in 2016, Aloha Golf Club hosted the tournament for the first time, followed by Real Club de Golf Guadalmina in 2017, La Quinta Golf & Country Club in 2018, Aloha Golf Club in 2019 and Guadalmina in 2020.

Costa del Sol Stars 🏌️‍♀️

Some of the best professional female golfers hail from the Costa del Sol with María Parra, Noemí Jiménez, Rocío Sánchez or the five-time European Tour winner, Azahara Muñoz, possibly the most recognisable names. Azahara Muñoz has represented Europe four times in the Solheim Cup. Her debut in the competition came in 2011 when she played magnificently and finished the three days' play with a 2-1-1 record.

Azahara had a successful amateur career, winning the 2002 Spanish Amateur Championship and finishing runner-up at the 2008 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship. She turned professional in September 2009 and then competed on the Ladies European Tour, winning the Madrid Ladies Masters. Azahara is the only Spanish woman to have won the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open in Spain (twice)!

Precisely for her commitment and dedication towards female and Andalusian golf, Costa del Sol Tourism recognised Azahara Muñoz as one of the best golf ambassadors in 2017, during the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España.

Why Women Choose Costa del Sol

The ability to enjoy the perfect combination of sunlight and golf during every month of the year awaits golfers in the Costa del Sol, an advantage that, unfortunately, those living in the north and centre of the continent lack in their homelands.

Many female players choose the Costa del Sol as the perfect place to train (and even settle down). The excellent weather, varied culture, rich gastronomy and, of course, the high-quality facilities and infrastructure helps golf rank as one of the most enjoyable sports played by locals and visitors alike. Andalusia has more golf courses than any other Spanish region (around 120), and the Costa del Sol - the coastline that goes from Nerja to Sotogrande - boasts an impressive 74 and, among this number, you will find some of the best golf courses in Europe!

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