In early summer, Turfgrass® conducted a follow-up agronomy visit to Finca Cortesin to evaluate progress ahead of the Solheim Cup, which is quickly approaching. Agronomic preparations have been meticulously sequenced since the venue was announced in 2020, to culminate in golf course excellence for Solheim Cup week. The outstanding results of the greenkeeping teams’ hard work and the club’s unprecedented commitment to the tournament are truly impressive.
As part of the agronomic strategy for the event, the golf course has undergone significant agronomic renovations in recent weeks. To facilitate this, the golf course was closed for an unprecedented three-week period.
These renovations included:
- Deep tine de-compaction involves using specialised machinery to penetrate the soil and break up compacted layers, allowing for better air and water movement. This process helps roots access essential nutrients and oxygen, leading to healthier turf.
- Hollow core aeration involves removing plugs or cores of soil from the turf, creating channels for improved water drainage, root growth, and nutrient uptake. It relieves compaction, reduces thatch accumulation, and enhances the exchange of gases between the soil and the atmosphere.
- Vertical cutting, also known as verticutting or vertical mowing, entails making vertical incisions into the turf to remove excess thatch and promote a healthier grass canopy. This process helps improve air circulation, reduces the buildup of organic matter, and encourages new growth.
- Sand topdressing involves applying a significant amount of sand to the turf surface. The sand fills in voids, helps smooth out uneven areas, and aids in improving soil composition and drainage. It also assists in the dilution of thatch and provides a stable environment for root growth.
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After:
These techniques are crucial to aid water management, alleviate compaction, improve soil structure, promote root development and dilute organic matter. Deep, vigorous roots result in stronger, healthier turf which is more resistant to wear, and drought issues historically experienced in the region. To reinforce this, a customised nutrition, mowing and topdressing programme has been developed for all playing surfaces at Finca Cortesin. In the lead up to the event, verticutting and topdressing will continue to be a part of the programme of works, along with applications of soil surfactants and seaweed-based biostimulants, aimed at preconditioning the plant prior to the onset of heat and drought stress.
By closing the golf course to undertake these extensive measures and continuing the tournament preparation programme, Finca Cortesin is ensuring that the Solheim Cup will be played on a course that showcases the highest standards of sustainability, plant health and ball performance.
The Solheim Cup 2023, an event of exceptional public interest whose official venue is Finca Cortesin, is sponsored by PING, Costa del Sol Tourism and Rolex as global partners; and by the Consejería de Turismo, Cultura y Deporte de la Junta de Andalucía, with co-financing from the European Union, Acosol, the Marbella Town Hall and the Benahavís Town Hall as official partners, and Casares Town Hall and Reale Seguros are official sponsors. Solán de Cabras, Eversheds Sutherland, Toro, Vithas, E-Z-GO, Jet Set Sports and Olin are official suppliers. BMW Automotor Premium is official sustainability car. Peninsula and Trablisa are sustainability partners. Marca and Radio Marca are official media. Promoted and organised by Deporte & Business. LET, LPGA, RFEG, CSD and RFGA collaborate in its organisation.
More information on the website www.solheimcup2023.eu, on the Twitter account @SolheimCup2023, on the Instagram account @solheimcup2023esp and on the Facebook page Solheim Cup 2023.