Ignacio Soto sits in his office and looks out the window. It’s raining, and he’s happy.
The superintendent of Finca Cortesín Golf Club in Andalucía, Spain, Soto knows water will play a vital role at his course in the lead-up to September when it hosts the Solheim Cup. This is the first time Spain will host the international event, which takes place every two years and pits the 12 best female golfers from Europe against the 12 best female golfers from America.
However, rain is a rare commodity in Spain and other parts of Europe experiencing severe drought. Ahead of the Solheim Cup, water conservation will be Soto’s main focus as he balances preparing his course for an international tournament and following water and chemical restrictions.
To help reduce water use, Finca Cortesin uses the Toro® Lynx® Central Control System and INFINITY® sprinkler heads for more precise watering. The course also uses recycled water throughout to help maintain its Bermuda grass, including on the greens.
“We made the conversion [to Bermuda] seven years ago because we had a lot of problems growing bentgrass,” Soto says. “We are very happy with where the greens are at right now. We are obviously in a warm season area, so the greens are in very good condition all year round.”
Championship Preparation
Already a world-class, tournament-ready course, Finca Cortesin has made small adjustments to maintenance schedules and routines in preparation for the Solheim Cup, including lowering the cutting heads on mowers. Soto says the course will also close for three weeks in June so crews can aerate and maintain fresh growth.
Finca Cortesin employs 20 to 22 year-round employees, as well as four to six interns who assist with maintenance during the busier spring and summer seasons. The week of the tournament, 40 greenkeepers from courses around Europe will volunteer to help with maintenance duties.
Crews at Finca Cortesin will utilize Toro equipment, including the Greensmaster® 1021 walk-behind greens mower, and the all-electric Greensmaster eTriFlex™ 3370 riding greens mower.
“We’ve introduced a number of practices on the golf course to be at the forefront of environmental sustainability, and the all-electric eTriFlex is the perfect complement,” Soto says. “We chose machines with lithium-ion battery technology for the reduced noise and engine exhaust emissions, as well as the outstanding quality of cut.”
The course will also utilize efficient Toro models that meet Stage V engine emissions regulations implemented in 2019 in the European Union. The Reelmaster® 7000-D semi-rough mower and the Groundsmaster® 4500-D rough mower are part of this newer generation of fuel-efficient machines that will be used to maintain large turf areas at Finca Cortesin’s championship golf course.
Local Toro distributor Riversa will supply ongoing service and support before, during and after the Solheim Cup.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Toro and Riversa as course preparations continue,” Soto says.
The Solheim Cup takes place 18-24 Sept., but if Soto had it his way, the tournament would tee off tomorrow.
“We’re ready,” Soto says. “The course is in great condition right now.”
To learn more about Toro equipment or sustainability efforts, contact your local Toro distributor or visit toro.com
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